Becoming Catholic - RCIA

Are you interested in becoming Catholic?  Do you have a friend or family member who is interested in becoming Catholic?

The normal process for becoming Catholic is called the Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA).   The RCIA involves several stages.

1. Inquiry – Meet with Father Jerzy to discuss your personal background and what has made you interested in the Catholic Faith.   You will be encouraged to pray daily and to attend Mass on Sunday in order to get to know the parish community.

2. Catechesis –  Members of the RCIA meet once a week to learn about the major truths of the Catholic Faith.  The meeting consist of reflection on scripture, prayer, a lesson and discussion.  The classes run from October to May.   Currently, this class is offered in English only.  Spanish speakers may contact Father Jerzy for other arrangements.

3.  Liturgical Rites – There are a series of special blessing prayers that are done during the Sunday Mass where the whole community is able to pray for and encourage the candidates.

4. Baptism, Confirmation and First Holy Communion – On Holy Saturday (the evening before Easter Sunday), those who have completed the process and wish to enter the Catholic Church receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and First Holy Communion.   If you were already validly Baptized in another Christian community, you will not need to be baptized again.

For more information about the RCIA please send an email to StMichaelChurch@bellnet.ca