The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, commonly known as RCIA, is a process by which the Catholic Christian community welcomes and initiates new members. The process has evolved to meet the needs of the unbaptized, as well as the baptized, and the uncatechized (not instructed in the faith), as well as the catechized (instructed in the faith). RCIA addresses the life experiences and spiritual needs of the individual. It is important to recognize and respect the faith experience of each individual.

RCIA involves different stages and liturgical rites in which the catechumens (unbaptized) and candidates (baptized) join the rest of the faith community in an ongoing conversion as part of the life long process and commitment to a Christian way of life; an initial step in the “lifelong journey of intellectual, emotional and spiritual conversion.”

For more information on how to become a Catholic at St. Barbara Parish, please contact Joan Duncan.