RCIA
RCIA stands for Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. RCIC stands for Rite of Christian Initiation for Children. Before Vatican II the process used to be called “convert classes” or “instructions” but was given the name and the acronym RCIA and RCIC in the 1970s. Embracing the Catholic Tradition requires education and lived experience. The classes are designed to impart the theology of the Catholic Faith to the student, and allow the aspirant to live the traditions of the Catholic Faith for a period of one liturgical year. First the aspirant is called an “enquirer.”
On the first Sunday of Advent, the person is invited to become an “official student.” On the first Sunday of Lent, the person may choose to be “elected to the Easter Sacraments.” Assuming any pending canonical issues are resolved, the person is baptized or received into the Church and confirmed at the Easter Vigil.
There is no cost for the RCIA or RCIC and no pressure. No one is forced to move to the next step until he or she is ready. The dress for class is casual, and there is a break in the middle of each class. The classes are on Wednesday Evenings from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. starting at Sacred Heart, but later meeting at both St. Ann and Sacred Heart.
We frequently have people in the RCIA who are already Catholic, but want to learn more than they received in youth. Some were baptized as Catholics but never confirmed. The RCIA is a wonderful way to update one’s Catholic Faith.
Class begins at 7:00 p.m. on October 5, 2022 at Sacred Heart. The initial meetings will take place in RH 2 & 3 in the basement of Sacred Heart Church. Remember to enter the Narthex and go down the steps or take the elevator.
Hope to see you there
Fr. Larry Tharp