More about the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
Blessed John Paul II and St. Mary's RCIA
Blessed John Paul II had a unique gift for making the reality of God’s love “come alive” in people’s hearts. During his lifetime, he inspired millions to discover the depth and beauty of the Catholic faith. Since his death in 2005, his writings and his personal story have inspired millions more. He was beatified – the final step before being formally recognized as a saint -- in May of 2011.
Now, in that same year, you have the opportunity to learn about the Catholic faith from this holy and inspiring man.
For the 2011-2012 year only, the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) Program at St. Mary Parish will follow the theme "Through the Faith with Blessed John Paul II." Over the course of that year, we will examine the Catholic Faith through the life, the teaching and the holiness of "John Paul The Great", the man who led so many millions to Christ.
Is the example of Blessed John Paul II leading you to explore becoming a Catholic, or to return to the Catholic faith of your childhood? If so, or if you want to learn more about the Church for any reason, come join us!
As Blessed John Paul II said:
"Be Not Afraid!"
Frequently Asked Questions about RCIA
What is RCIA?
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is a process for non-Catholics who wish to come into full communion with the Catholic Church. Baptized Catholics who have not yet been fully initiated through the sacraments of Eucharist and/or Confirmation are also welcome, as are fully initiated but lapsed “cradle Catholics” who want to return home to the Church.
How does RCIA work?
The program has several facets:
- Inquiry session: held in July for anyone interested in learning more about the RCIA process.
- Classes and discussion: held on Wednesday evenings throughout the school year. These classes will cover all of the basic teachings of the Catholic Church, with plenty of opportunity for discussion, questions, etc. And, for the 2011-2012 program year only, those classes and discussions will be based on the life and the teachings of Blessed John Paul II.
- “Breaking Open the Word”: small-group sessions held after the Sunday Mass Liturgy of the Word, to discuss that day’s Scripture passage and homily.
- Retreats: Two longer sessions intended to give participants an opportunity to spend more focused time in learning and prayer.
- Rites: Liturgical celebrations to mark certain milestones from one step to the next on the way to the Catholic Church.
If I start the RCIA process, does that mean I’m committing to becoming a Catholic?
Absolutely not! RCIA is a discernment process. It is designed to meet people where they are, and to help them to learn about the Catholic faith and to prayerfully decide if (and when) they wish to enter into full communion with the Church.
Some people complete RCIA in a single year. Others delay their entry into the Church, starting and stopping the RCIA process two, three or more times before they enter into the Church. Others begin the process but never complete it. Individual decisions are always respected.
If I begin RCIA this fall, when will I become a Catholic?
RCIA is a process, and that process can look different for different individuals. If someone were to begin RCIA in the fall and follow it through without interruption, that person would enter into full communion with the Church at the Easter Vigil (the evening before Easter Sunday) the following spring.
What if my schedule doesn’t permit me to attend classes on Wednesdays?
Call us anyway -- we’ll figure something out!
What’s a sponsor? Do I need one?
A sponsor is a Catholic who walks alongside a candidate or catechumen during the RCIA process and beyond. That person will attend classes with you, pray with you, worship with you and introduce you to the parish community.
Some people come into the RCIA process with a sponsor already in mind. Others don’t know anyone they would like to ask to sponsor them. Fortunately, there are many, many members of St. Mary’s parish who have volunteered to walk alongside our newest members. If you have no sponsor coming into the program, we will match you with one of them.
What if my child wants to become Catholic?
St. Mary Parish sponsors an RCIC (Rite of Christian Initiation for Children) program for children over age seven who are converting to the Catholic faith, or who were baptized Catholic but have missed receiving sacraments. Classes are held on Wednesday evenings, concurrent with the adult RCIA sessions.
2011-2012 Schedule
RCIA – Adults
Inquiry Session
Thursday July 28, 2011 at 7:00pm in Ave Maria HallCatechetical Sessions
Wednesday evenings 6:30pm to 8:30pm in Ave Maria Hall
August 24, 2011 through March 28, 2012Breaking Open the Word
During 9:00am Sunday Mass in Ave Maria Hall
Weekly from September 18, 2011 through April 1, 2012RCIC – Children
Catechetical Classes
Wednesday evenings from 6:15pm to 7:45pm
September 14, 2011 to March 28, 2012
Become a Sponsor
If you’re already a practicing Catholic, you’re enthused about your faith and you’d like to walk alongside a new Catholic coming into full communion with the Church, we’d like you to consider volunteering as a sponsor for the RCIA program.
RCIA sponsor requirements:
- A Catholic who has been baptized, received the Eucharist and been confirmed
- Over sixteen years of age
- Currently practices the faith (regularly attends Mass, receives the Eucharist)
- Accepts all teachings of the Church and lives in accordance with them
- Willing and able to attend Wednesday evening sessions, Sunday Mass, the celebration of rites and other related events with the catechumen/candidate.
What does a sponsor do?
A sponsor is an active Catholic who is willing to be a companion to someone going through the RCIA process. As they get acquainted they listen, answer questions, pray together, and connect them with the parish. Sponsors are not meant to have all the answers. Their main role is to be a friend and companion on the journey.
How can I become a sponsor?
For more information on becoming an RCIA sponsor, come to our inquiry session on July 28th at 7 pm in Ave Maria Hall. If you are unable to join us that night, contact Lisa Marie Thompson at 720-283-4726 or lthompson@stmarylittleton.org.
Join Us!
For more information on RCIA at St. Mary’s, please join us at our inquiry session on July 28th at 7 pm in Ave Maria Hall. You can learn more about the program, hear from others who have been through it, and reflect on whether it is right for you. Program registration will be available that evening.
To register either before or after the inquiry session, print and fill out this form, and either drop it off or mail it (with payment - checks payable to "Saint Mary Parish") to:
Lisa Marie Thompson
Saint Mary Parish
6853 S. Prince Street
Littleton, CO 80120
The program fee is $50, and includes copies of both the New American Bible and The Compendium to the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Checks are made payable to St. Mary Parish, and of course scholarships are available on request.
For more information, contact Lisa Marie Thompson at 720-283-4726 or lthompson@stmarylittleton.org.
Registration form
(PDF format - Please download, print, complete and return to the parish office.)
