RCIA-Becoming Catholic

For non-Catholics who are thinking about converting to Catholicism, or for any adults who just want to learn more about the Catholic faith, Jesus Our Risen Savior parish offers a series of lessons called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).  RCIA is a one-year program set by the Catholic Church for non-baptized adults who are discerning to become one with the Catholic faith.  Adults also who have not received any sacraments after the Sacrament of Baptism are encouraged to go through this program before they can fully receive the other sacraments of initiation.  Parishioners who plan to be part of this ministry must know and understand their faith and have faith experiences that they could share with those who are going through the program.

The RCIA is an annual process that begins in the month of June and culminates at the Easter Vigil, a celebration on the night before Easter Sunday.  After Easter, the RCIA continues for 50 days, ending on Pentecost Sunday.  Participants meet once a week for about an hour. JORS does not charge for the classes, provides all resources for free and does not require an obligation– at least, not at first.

Participants, who will become known as catechumens if they are not baptized and candidates if they are, attend classes from June until the beginning of the liturgical season of Advent, four weeks before Christmas. During that time, known as the precatechumenate or inquiry period, they are encouraged to ask questions and voice concerns. Instructors will cover any topic brought up, although there is also a syllabus of topics scheduled to be discussed, ranging from the Church’s views on marriage and divorce, Mariology, sin, the sacraments, Purgatory and even the ten commandments. The precatechumenate classes are not apologetics sessions, by the way. Although open discussions are encouraged throughout the RCIA, participants will not be engaging in arguments in defense of their religious or social views. The purpose of the RCIA process is to pass along what the Church believes. Reasons for Catholic beliefs and scriptural references to substantiate them will be provided in class.

During this inquiry period, participants will be asked to fill out a registration/application form indicating their current marital status, religious history, and general questions about the Catholic faith.  This information will help the instructors accompany the participants on their journey of faith in the RCIA, which leads to eventual conversion to Catholicism. Participants are not under any actual obligation until, and if, they vow to accept the sacraments of initiation (baptism, reconciliation, Eucharist and confirmation) at Easter. The Catholic Church wants members who follow the faith of their own free will.

After the inquiry period, participants will then be part of the catechumenate, as catechumens (ancient Christian terminology) or candidates and will join in full communion with the Church at the end of the RCIA process. The RCIA coordinator will consult with the pastor and with the participant in determining if he or she is prepared to become a practicing Catholic.

To learn more or to register, call the parish office at 864-576-1164 or email Parren Sanders, our RCIA Coordinator, using the form below.