The rite of Christian initiation of adults

E-Mail RCIA: RCIA@grandecom.net

Download RCIA Registration Form

Download RCIA Sponsor Registration

Download RCIA Class & Event Schedule

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a process whereby adults are welcomed and received into the Roman Catholic Church. The process is intended for adults:

Who were never baptized (Catechumen)
Those baptized in another Christian faith and wish to become Catholic (Candidate)
Those baptized Catholic but have not make their First Holy Communion or been Confirmed (Candidate)

People who participate in the process are introduced to various aspects of church life: worship, the creed, prayer life, and outreach to other members of the community. Catechumens and Candidates are fully initiated into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil celebration.

What is involved in the RCIA process?

RCIA meets on Thursday's in the Religious Education building from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm every week. Classes begin in the first week in September and runs through Pentecost. Attendance is very important because each class builds on the previous class. Anyone who misses more than three classes may not be able to receive their sacraments.

Some of the topics discusses.

Religion Grace

The Bible Purgatory

Church History Prayer

Angels The Sacraments

The Trinity The Mass

Original Sin Stations of the Cross

Mortal, Venial Sin The Rosary

Who leads the RCIA program?

Dale Baird coordinates an RCIA team under the direction of Fr. Hanh Van Pham. Various members of the team assist Mr. Baird and Fr. Hanh with the teaching of the different classes.

I think I might like to begin, but I'm still hesitant.

If there is some concern or reason that may have your wondering about beginning the RCIA process, please contact Dale Baird by leaving a message at the church office (361-991-5146 or see top of this page). Confidentiality will be respected and there will be no obligation.

What is a sponsor?

A sponsor is a co-traveler on this journey of faith who commits himself/herself to accompany a catechumen or candidate along the way. The sponsor represents the Catholic community and is willing to be a friend, witness, and guide.

Requirements for Sponsor

Must be Catholic in good standing
Must have received all of their sacraments
If married, must be married in the Catholic Church

What does a sponsor do?

Attends all classes and RCIA functions
Shares and explains Catholic customs
Shares faith experiences
Telephones frequently
Offers rides to classes
Invites them to Sunday Mass and parish activities
Listens to Catechumen/Candidate
Keeps Pastor and RCIA director informed about concerns of the catechumen/candidate
Prays with them
Introduces them to members of the parish

Enrichment Phase

Those who participate in this area of RCIA, may already have their sacraments, are married in the Catholic church, but wish to enhance their knowledge of the faith. Many come for enrichment to get answers to the many questions concerning the Mass, the sacraments, prayer, basic Catholic beliefs and teaching. Many have children attending religious education and want to be able to assist them and answer their questions concerning the Catholic faith. Perhaps you are engaged or married to a Catholic and want to know more about your partner's religion. Or maybe you've attended Mass with a Catholic friend and would like to know more.

Just come to RCIA and see what the Catholic Church is all about. You'll meet friendly people, you'll learn a lot, and you'll deepen your faith - guaranteed!