RCIA

What is the RCIA?

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the process for initiation into the Catholic Church. It is a restoration of the catechumenate, which was the early church's practice around the 3rd and 4th centuries. The Congregation for Divine Worship prepared it and Pope Paul VI approved it in 1972.  It was approved for use in the United States in 1974. In 1986, the United States catholic Conference approved the ritual edition that included additional combined rites (for both the unbaptized and uncatechized baptized) and the national statutes. It is now mandated in all parishes.  

Who is the RCIA for?

• Persons in need of Baptism
• Persons baptized in another Christian faith but interested in becoming Catholic
• Persons baptized Catholic in need of First Communion and / or Confirmation

What is the RCIA Process at St. Benilde?

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults meets weekly beginning in mid-September. The RCIA team works with adults seeking to join the Catholic Church or Catholics who are in need of catechesis before receiving First Communion and/or Confirmation. The team also offers enrichment classes in Catholic teaching for those coming back to the church. The classes are currently held in the Rectory on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. Please contact the office if you have any needs for sacraments or adult convert information.

How to begin the process? 

Contact Fr. Matthew Johnston, Pastor, at 504-834-4980.