Becoming a Catholic

If you're interested in becoming a member of the Catholic Church then you must participate in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults or RCIA.

Mission Statement

The RCIA Team provides an initiation process faithful to the Rite that fosters a full, participating membership in the Catholic Church for those called to faith in Our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Implementation

Evangelization/Inquiry is addressed year around so that those who seek knowledge of Christ can connect to our community as they feel called. Sessions are held the first and third Wednesdays of the month. Participants are introduced to the scriptures and share their personal journeys toward faith. Elements of the Catholic experience are discussed and questions answered.

Those who wish to embrace the Catholic community through the Sacraments of Initiation enter into a period of formation called the Catechumenate. The Catechumenate offers the opportunity to put down roots in the community of Our Lady of Lourdes through study, prayer, celebration, and lifestyle.

Those who make sufficient progress in the Catechumenate are chosen for the Sacraments of Initiation and begin a more intensive period of spiritual preparation that corresponds with Lent. This period of Enlightenment and Purification fosters a conversion of heart that prepares the candidates for discipleship.

The Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist are celebrated at the Easter Vigil. This celebration is followed by the time of Mystagogy which lasts until Pentecost. The newly initiated are introduced to the opportunities available to sustain and exercise the discipleship that they have embraced.

Anyone interested in learning more about the Catholic Church should contact Kathy Talley (262-7490, WLTKWT@aol.com). Catholics who would like to sponsor a person in this journey may contact Sheri Kemp (262-7317, skemp@ollrichva.org).