Welcome to the RCIA Community
of Incarnation Parish !
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
Father Gregory Kandt
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process by which adults learn more about the Catholic faith and become Catholic. This process is gradual and is marked by rituals celebrated throughout the liturgical year. It is a period of spiritual formation, prayer, and education. It is designed to accommodate those who have never been baptized (catechumens) as well as those who have been baptized in another Christian tradition but are seeking full communion with the Catholic Church (candidates).
Our parish conducts “inquiry” sessions, usually once a month, for those who would like to learn more about the Catholic faith in a small group setting. For those who want to continue to explore the faith, Thursday evening instructional sessions begin in mid-September and continue through May of the following year.
Deacon Chris Morash
For those who decide to continue on their faith journey, in November sponsors are assigned and the catechumens and candidates are formally welcomed in a liturgical rite that occurs during a Sunday Mass. From that point forward until the Sunday before Easter, catechumens and candidates attend the first part of Sunday Mass (the Liturgy of the Word) and then join catechists (teachers) who discuss with them the Scripture readings used at the Mass for that Sunday.
Tom and Judy Craig
The formation process continues with some liturgical rites that occur during Lent (the 40 days before Easter) for those who still want to join the Catholic Church. At the Easter Vigil (the Saturday night before Easter Sunday), catechumens are baptized and candidates are formally received into the Church. Instruction continues on Thursday evenings until Pentecost (usually near the end of May).
The links on this page provide more detailed information about the Catholic faith and the process for adults to become Catholic. There is a news page to keep catechumens and candidates informed of upcoming events, a link to a schedule that sets forth the entire process in some detail, and a link to a page of references to authoritative Catholic sources, such as the online Catechism, the Vatican, and other equally trustworthy sources. Our goal is to ensure that you receive accurate Catholic teaching and information.
We pray that you will be blessed with knowledge and wisdom as you use this information, and we welcome your comments and inquiries. Please feel free to make use of any of the contact links on this page.
Yours in Christ,
Father Gregory Kandt, Pastor
Deacon Chris Morash, Director of Worship
Tom and Judy Craig, RCIA Coordinators