Whether you’re considering becoming Catholic or simply want to learn more about the Catholic faith and the teachings of Jesus Christ, we welcome you on this journey of faith.
RCIA will be held on Tuesday evenings from 6:30pm – 8:00pm.
Our FIRST CLASS will commence on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.
If you are interested in joining the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) program, please CLICK HERE for the registration form and submit it to the parish office. NOTE: The deadline to submit registration for RCIA 2025-2026 is Monday, September 15.
For inquiries about RCIA, contact Fr. Alfredo Medina at amedinaramos@rcav.org
1. I’ve been thinking about becoming Catholic. What do I do?
We believe that God calls individuals to live the Good News Jesus proclaimed and to become his disciples as members of the Catholic Church. If you want to become Catholic, you will participate in a process called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (sometimes called RCIA or simply Christian initiation). In RCIA, you will learn about the teachings of Jesus as the Catholic Church has handed them on and put these teachings into practice by living as part of the Catholic community, serving others and praying.
2. What does initiation into the Catholic Church entail?
If you have not been baptized, the Christian initiation process prepares you to become a Catholic Christian by celebrating what we call the sacraments of Christian initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist or Holy Communion.
If you have been baptized in another Christian tradition, the initiation process prepares you to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church by celebrating the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist or Holy Communion.
3. I’m a baptized Catholic. Is RCIA for me?
If you have been baptized as an infant, but have not received further formal instruction in the Catholic Faith nor the sacraments of Confirmation or the Eucharist, RCIA is indeed for you. If you are a fully initiated Catholic who wishes to deepen your faith, speak to your local parish about the possibility of participating.
4. How long does it take to become a Catholic?
Becoming Catholic is a life-long commitment. However, the Christian initiation process typically lasts for several months or longer in order to prepare to take this step.
The initiation of individuals who are ready to make the commitment to become new members of the Catholic Church may take place at Easter (in March or April) or at other times throughout the year.
5. What if I change my mind?
You do not make any commitment or obligation by inquiring about Catholicism or beginning the Christian initiation process. We want you to take the time you need as you think about becoming Catholic and we respect your decision to stop or to say, “not right now” at any time.
While we love being Catholic and hope that others will want to become Catholic also, we do not exert pressure on anyone to do so. Our hope would be that at the very least, you would come to a greater appreciation of Catholic beliefs and practices.
This year, our Parish is also running a 11-week Alpha Course in mid-September. Alpha Course is an introduction of Jesus Christ to those exploring Christian faith. It is a journey of growth in the knowledge and love of God through the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church.
To learn more about Alpha course, visit https://forms.gle/VDgmVzN48W5HkH2h8
The Alpha Course is a general introduction to Christianity, while RCIA is a more in-depth process of preparation for Baptism, Confirmation and First Communion in the Catholic Church. Alpha is an option for those interested in taking a preliminary step in becoming Catholic before entering RCIA.
For inquiries about Alpha Course, contact Fr. Alfredo Medina at amedinaramos@rcav.org
