What is RCIA?
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is not merely a new way to prepare adults for baptism in the Catholic Church – baptism is only the first step.
The goal of the process is full communion with the Church which means “full, conscious, and active participation” (Sacrosanctum Concilium #14) in the Eucharist and the whole life of the Catholic faith community.
RCIA helps adults to grow in their relationship with God, become familiar with Catholic teachings and practices, get acquainted with people in their parish, and get involved in service within the parish and the wider community.
Many people who want to join the Catholic Church have already been baptized in another Christian church. They will not be rebaptized, but instead will follow a form of the four steps of RCIA adapted to the particular needs and concerns of Christians from other faith traditions.
RCIA isn’t just for people who want to become Catholic. It’s also available to Catholics who may not have had all of their sacraments of initiation (baptism, first Holy Communion or confirmation) earlier in life. RCIA can also be a great way for already active Catholics to rediscover and more deeply understand the foundations of our faith.
What is RCIA? This short video explains the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults through the voices of three women as they go through the RCIA process to be fully participating members of the Catholic Church. (Recorded at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Hendersonville, N.C.)