The RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is the process by which men and women become full members of the Catholic Church. If you believe that God is calling you to join the Catholic Church or simply wish to learn more about the Catholic faith, then RCIA is for you. The RCIA program looks at both the conversion of the individual to God’s call, and at initiation into active membership in the Catholic faith community. During the RCIA process Catechumens and/or Candidates are guided by the parish community, sponsors, RCIA team members, and the RCIA Director. Special emphasis is placed on the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation as they prepare for reception into full Communion in the Catholic faith.

Who belongs in the RCIA program?

• Those who want to learn more about the Catholic Church
• Those who are unbaptized and want to become Catholic Christians through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.
• Those who are baptized Christians (in another faith tradition or Catholic) who want full sacramental membership in the Roman Catholic Church through Confirmation and Eucharist.
• Those who attend Catholic Church and is questioning if the Catholic Church is right for
  you

How does RCIA work?
St Francis of Assisi parishioners and staff want to be welcoming of any person wishing to join our community. Men and women in the RCIA process will be joined by members of the faith community in a non-threatening and non-intimidating setting. Meetings are designed to encourage spiritual growth and understanding of Catholic Christian theology. Once you start the RCIA process, you are not required to continue through the entire process. Candidates may stop the process at any point.

What topics are covered?
The Formation of individuals through RCIA includes several areas:
Scripture: the stories of God's people
Teaching: what Catholics believe
Prayer: how we communicate with God
Liturgy: how the community worships
Mission: how we live out our lives

Please call Bryan Streefland in the Faith Formation office at 289-2427 if you have questions regarding RCIA or wish to begin the process.

How call I help with RCIA?
If you are a member of St Francis parish and wish to volunteer to help in the RCIA program, please call the Faith Formation office at 289-2427. Here are some specific ways you can help:

1. Be a sponsor. Each man or woman in the RCIA process will have a sponsor from the St Francis community. As a sponsor, your responsibility will be to make the RCIA candidate comfortable and welcomed in the community.
   
2. Be a part of the RCIA team. Team members will share responsibility of sharing faith stories, teaching Catholic beliefs, showing hospitality towards the candidates, and showing how to live as Catholic Christians. Any parishioner CAN be a member.
3. Be a member of the prayer support team. By being active in this ministry, parishioners are committing to praying for the candidates and their sponsors.