BECOMING CATHOLIC

 
 

RCIA For Children and Youth

The RCIA process is adapted for children and youth wanting to become Catholic or complete their initiation into the Catholic faith. It follows the form of the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, but adapts it to the age and needs of the young people in the process. Details will be outlined after your initial meeting with the person in the parish who guides the Christian initiation process. This is a journey in which your child and your family are gradually introduced into the life of the Catholic Church. Meeting times are Sunday’s from 9:45-10:45am.

Who belongs in RCIA adapted for Children and Youth?

• Unbaptized children (ages 7 - 17)

• Children baptized in another Christian faith tradition

When do they receive their sacraments?

No situation is typical, and each family’s situation is unique. The length of time your child takes on this journey will depend on his needs. The steps, rites, and rituals that take place throughout the process can take a few months, a year, or more than a year.

Parents – It is vital that the children receive full support from their parents and families. Parents, godparents, or sponsors are invited and encouraged to attend for support. Parents needing sacraments have the choice of participating with their child or in the Adult RCIA formation group.

  • Meeting day/time for Youth RCIA is Sunday’s from 9:45-10:45am.

  • Are you interested in helping with Youth RCIA. Please email, RCIA_Youth@stnicholascc.org.

If you have additional questions about Youth RCIA, please contact RCIA_Youth@stnicholascc.org.

 
 

RCIA Adults

How do I become a Catholic?

A commonly asked question is, “What do I need to do to become Catholic?” The truth is the process for becoming Catholic is different for everyone. Let’s start here: The Church uses the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) to prepare, accept and welcome individuals desiring to become full members of the Roman Catholic faith community. RCIA is the process which an unbaptized adult, a baptized but uncatechized adult, or any adult baptized in another Christian tradition is received into the Catholic Church.

The initial phase of Inquiry is similar to the dating stage in a marriage relationship, a time of getting to know about the Church in a social and questioning way. It is marked by complete freedom -– a "just looking” approach. During this phase, the inquirer is able to take a good look at how the parish community lives and shares its faith with one another.

Following Inquiry, the process toward initiation is modeled as a journey. This journey is divided into four continuous phases that parallel a participant’s progress in the development of his/her faith. Certain important points on the journey are milestones celebrated publicly by the whole parish community.

At St. Nicholas Parish, members of our RCIA Core Leadership Team host a weekly casual gathering for discussion, reflection, and response, either mid-day or in the evening:

  • Tuesday, 6:15-7:45p

  • Click Here for the schedule for 2023-24.

    • Deacon Mikhail Alnajjar

    • Nina Potter

    • John Odell

    • Bryan Pannell

    • Kathy McGee

    • Lisa Crocker

    • Mary Kassal

    • Ana Johnson

To learn more about RCIA and your path toward initiation into the Catholic Church:

 
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“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
— 2 Corinthians 5:17