The Christian Initiation of Adults is a process of welcoming people who are interested in learning about the Catholic Faith Tradition.

 

If you know someone who may be interested in finding out what it means to become Catholic, please send us his or her name. Ask a friend, a neighbor or a relative!

If you are interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith Tradition, please email or call Cathy Olds at 480-899-1990. Cathy will contact you as soon as possible to arrange a meeting and explain the process.

O.C.I.A. meets once a week on Sunday morning from 8:30 to 11:00 AM. Following mass we gather for prayer and a presentation on the Catholic Faith. Following a short break, the remaining time involves small group discussion based on scripture readings.

The R.C.I.A. is primarily a journey of faith "from the awareness of stirring of faith and curiosity within one's heart...

• through stages of asking and seeking
• through beginning involvement with the Catholic Christian community
• through hearing the Gospel proclaimed and by faithful reflection and prayer on this Word of God
• through study and discussion about the Catholic experience,
• through doubts and hesitations,
• through involvement in the works of charity and justice with those already committed to the catholic way of life,
• through discernment of God's call for them as individuals,
• through the steps of commitment,
• through the sacraments of initiation (baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist)

... to a life of faith, love, and justice lived in communion with Catholics throughout the world.

• The Catholic Vision - The Spirit of Catholicism
• A Tour of the Church - An explanation of the Church building
• Introduction to Sacred Scripture - The Bible as God's Word in the Words of Men
• Introduction to the Old Testament - A Community's Witness to the God Who Saves
• Introduction to the New Testament - The Gospels: Testimonies of Faith, The Epistles: The Church in the Formative Years
• Church History - Significant Events in the Life of the Church
• Introduction to the Church - The Church as the People of God and the Body of Christ
• The Seven Sacraments - Sacraments of Initiation, Healing, and Vocation
• Morality - Viewing the Christian Life as a Series of Relationships: With God, Self, Neighbor, and the World.
  
  

All those interested in joining the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults are invited to gather for reflection on the Sunday scriptures after the 9am mass on Sunday mornings throughout the summer.

Classes begin September 7,2008 and are held on Sunday mornings beginning with mass at 8:30 A.M.  Candidates will be dismissed after the homily to continue prayer and discussion in the Adult Center

• 8:30 A.M.  -  Mass
• 9:00 A.M.  -  Presentation
• 9:45 A.M.  -  Coffee Break
• 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. - Scripture sharing in small groups

We suggest our RCIA candidates volunteer at the Andre House or St. Vincent de Paul Family Dining Room to serve meals.

 

What is the RCIA?

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is the process by which adults are initiated into the Catholic Church. Under the guidance of our RCIA director (Cathy Olds) the RCIA process is led by a team of lay church members over a nine-month period which begins each September and culminates about one month after Easter.

The RCIA is not a program or a class in Catholicism, but rather a process of discerning and ritualizing stages of gradual conversion that takes place within the community of the faithful. The process is about a relationship over time with both God and the Catholic community and it has no time frame. Although we organize our faith formation activities around a timeline, conversion occurs on God's time – not our time. Candidates who do not feel ready for the next period can reassess their faith growth during subsequent calendar cycles. The RCIA process follows an ancient practice of the Church and was restored by the Second Vatican Council as the normal way adults prepare for baptism. In 1974 the Rite for Christian Initiation for Adults was formally approved for use in the United States. 

Is there a shorter version of the RCIA?
Insights into a nationwide survey conducted around 1999 by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops (NCCB) Office for Evangelization revealed that the length of the current “program” is "about right".

It seems reasonable that catechumens or uncatechized candidates experience the yearly calendar of Catholic practice at least one time around in order to make an informed decision.

What are all the steps to becoming Catholic?
The RCIA journey is divided into four periods (Inquiry, Catechumenate, Purification & Enlightenment, and Mystagogy) that respect the individual's journey of faith. The community celebrates a special ritual at the conclusion of each period of Christian formation and moves the participants into the next step.

Who can participate?
The RCIA process is open to all those individuals who are unbaptized and who express a desire to study Catholic Christian beliefs and practices.

The program is also open to those individuals who have been baptized in another Christian denomination and who wish to explore membership in the Catholic Church.

Finally, the RCIA is open to Catholics who have been baptized but who have not received the other initiation sacraments of Confirmation or Holy Eucharist.

What can I expect?
Individuals who go through the RCIA process should expect to find themselves in a much deeper relationship with God and possessing a better understanding of current Catholic teaching and practices.

As part of the conversion process, they study the Gospel, profess faith in Jesus and the Catholic Church, and receive the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Holy Eucharist. In addition, one prized aspect of the RCIA experience cited by previous participants are the feelings of community, friendship and acceptance that it produces.

Is there any cost to participate in RCIA?
No, none whatsoever

Am I obligated to become Catholic?
There is no obligation on participants to become members of the Catholic Church. Anyone seeking information about the Catholic faith is welcome to attend our sessions.

Participants will be encouraged to ask questions and dialogue with the material. There are times during the RCIA process for you to explore your intentions and continue to discern God's call. Everything shared during the sessions will be treated with confidentiality and respect.

What if I was baptized but not as a Catholic?
You will be glad to know that the Catholic Church universally recognizes most Christian baptisms. You are welcome to explore the Catholic faith with us, and if and when you so choose, you can prepare to join the Catholic faith through the RCIA process. Prayer, discernment and reflection are part of the RCIA experience.  Also, if you are not ready for the RCIA process and would like to explore the faith in a supportive adult atmosphere you are invited to attend the EMMAUS PROGRAM, a six week series held three times during the year to explore the teachings and practices of the Catholic faith.  Information and dates are available on the web site or by calling Cathy Olds.

What is expected of Me?
All that is needed is a sincere desire to grow and learn. Attendance is expected at meetings at 8:30 on Sunday mornings.  You may also attend a different mass on Saturday or Sunday evening, or noon mass and join the gathering at 9:00 A.M.

Attendance is expected at the Rite of Welcome and the Rite Election held at Sts. Simon and Jude Cathedral in Phoenix, and at the Easter Vigil Mass. Each member of the RCIA is encouraged to spend some time each week in prayer and to read the reflection materials that are given out on Sundays.

The Sunday morning sessions are opportunities to raise questions and dialogue with the material. People who feel comfortable sharing questions and reactions are encouraged to do so.

How long will the Sunday sessions take?
Sunday sessions go from September through April. Sunday moring sessions go from 9-11 am, at the Adult Education Center in the north east corner of the campus.

I understand that I need a sponsor, is this true?
Yes, each RCIA candidate needs a sponsor. As Jesus taught his disciples the importance of community, it is significant that we walk this faith journey with companions, who participate in the process with you and help you find the resources and answers that you may have on your journey. If you don’t have a sponsor, we can find one for you by matching you with a lay volunteer and member of the parish.

What is a sponsor?
A sponsor is a confirmed and practicing Catholic, either friend or family member, who is a spiritual companion and support on the journey, and serves as a mentor in the Christian life.

What do sponsors do?
Sponsors actively participate in our meetings and celebration of the Sacraments. They converse regularly about the participant ongoing process of faith development. Their promise is to be good listeners and to help participants to know where God is leading them without pushing them in any direction.

When we go to Mass on Sundays do our sponsors need to come with us?
It is up to the individual sponsor. Some sponsors choose to attend mass with their families but candidates should feel free to ask their sponsor to attend mass with them.   

What materials are needed?
All needed materials will be given to you. A Catholic Bible is also important to purchase.  A Catholic Youth Study Bible or The Catholic Study Bible is recommended and available in the St. Andrew gift shop.  There is also a parish library available with many resources for your reading and reflection.

Do other churches have a similar program?
Yes. Most parishes have RCIA programs. They may differ slightly in approach, but all have a similar format and time frame

I just have a feeling of not knowing enough about the church to feel comfortable yet.
That’s okay. The RCIA is a time of exploration, where people can ask questions and learn about the church. People coming from other faith groups may have many questions about Catholicism, and areas where they don’t feel comfortable. Don’t worry. Each person is given the space to question, to think for themselves, and to take all the time they need to make a decision about joining the Church. The EMMAUS PROGRAM may be a helpful

There is no obligation. Certainly even Catholics don’t know everything about the Church. It is a lifetime process, and each person is encouraged to make the journey at their own pace.

Is it common to feel unsure about my relationship with the Church and Catholicism?
Yes. Many people are unsure, even many Catholics! Many people go through uncertainty and questions. That is normal. That is healthy. It is a sign that you are taking your spiritual growth seriously.

RCIA is there to help you grow in your relationship with God first; whether or not you join the church is secondary. You will not be expected to agree with everything the church says. Most Catholics don’t. This is simply a time of exploration.

What if we have doubts about converting?
Follow your heart. Go where you feel most at home. If it is the Catholic church great, if not, that is fine too. We would simply suggest that you explore, ask questions and listen to where you feel God is leading you. Pray for guidance, and you will be led to the right place, wherever it may be. You may also schedule time to meet with the director of Adult Formation and the RCIA program to help you discern what is best for you.

I would like to hear about some of the experiences of the other catechumens and candidates?
The experiences of other candidates and catechumens are as varied as the people themselves. Everyone has their own story, their own journey. RCIA candidates come from all walks of life, all backgrounds and all ages.  Many of our team members and sponsors are former RCIA candidates.

We invite you to come to our sessions and visit with any of our leaders, sponsors and candidates.  

I haven’t felt God much in my life. What if I still haven’t really found God in my life?
The fact that you are asking the question says that you are moving toward God, and God is working in your life. The desire for a relationship with God is in itself a sign of God’s presence. Keep listening and praying. Ask God to open your heart and amazing things will happen.

I am engaged to a Catholic. Can I become Catholic in time for the wedding?
That depends on when the wedding is. The RCIA process takes around 9 months, so it is good to plan accordingly. There are always exceptions and we can deal with the needs of candidates on an individual basis. 

I am engaged to a Catholic. Does it mean I have to join RCIA?
No. You don’t have to be Catholic to get married in the Church. The decision to join the RCIA is one that you should make for yourself, because it is something you want to do, not because you feel you have to.

Why does the RCIA process take such a long time?
Faith is something that takes time to grow, like a flower takes time to grow from a seed and bloom. RCIA is a process by which the seed of faith is nurtured, and it takes different amounts of time for different people. Someone who would like to become Catholic must learn about the faith before they can make a decision, and that learning takes time.

Like any relationship, a person's relationship with God develops, and it can’t be rushed. Everyone has their own pace and their own particular needs and questions. The good news is that the process is fun, too! Most people who have come through the process say at the end: "I wish it had been longer.”

Do I need an annulment before I can join the RCIA? If “yes” what is the criteria?
No, you don’t need an annulment before you can join the RCIA if you are divorced and have not remarried. Being divorced does not affect your ability to go to Mass and be received into the Church.

The only time it becomes an issue is if you plan on getting remarried in the Church or are in a second or third marriage. The annulment process takes approximately 6 months to a year. You start by consulting with the annulment minister here at St. Andrew the Apostle who helps you start the paperwork. You fill out certain forms discussing the reasons that your marriage didn’t work out, and those forms are sent to the tribunal or diocesan panel of canon lawyers in Phoenix, who then makes a decision. It is advisable if you are planning on getting married in the Church or have been remarried since a divorce to do this as soon as possible, to avoid the frustration of having to do that while planning your wedding.

If I was confirmed in another denomination, do I need to be re-confirmed in the Catholic Church?
When someone has been baptized in another denomination, they are not re-baptized. People who have already been confirmed are re-confirmed and receive Communion as part of being brought into “full communion” in the Church at the Easter Vigil.

 

For more information, please contact Cathy Olds.

Page updated: Wednesday, May 07, 2008