The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a program under which the Church welcomes adults seeking any of the following sacraments in the Catholic faith: Baptism, Eucharist or Confirmation.
RCIA is a program of discernment and instruction in which the person seeking initiation into the Church is introduced to the beliefs and practices of the Catholic faith. At the Cathedral, RCIA instruction is for non-baptized persons, persons baptized in another Christian faith and baptized Catholics who lack both the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation. Seven to nine different well-qualified presenters lead candidates and catechumens in discussion and instruction. The instruction follows the outline in the Catechism.
Instruction and discernment sessions begin on September 19th and conclude with the Easter Vigil Mass the following year. Eligible catechumens who are not baptized and candidates who seek full communion receive the sacraments at the Easter Vigil Mass.
Sessions are on Wednesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Dome Conference Room.
Each candidate or catechumen in RCIA is sponsored by a confirmed Catholic in good standing. At the beginning of each session, the RCIA program is in need of Catholics who are willing to sponsor candidates and catechumens. The sponsor assists candidates or catechumens in their discernment and learning process. Sponsors need to attend every session with the candidate or catechumen. Many sponsors find that the RCIA sessions are a way to renew one’s knowledge and understanding of the Catholic faith and, at the same time, to walk with the candidate or catechumen as they enter the Catholic faith.
There are several Rites throughout the year that the sponsors must attend with the candidates and catechumens.