The Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA) is a program for those, whether Catholic or non-Catholic, who desire to learn Roman Catholic traditions, teachings, and practices. 

 
RCIA for Adults 
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is a process for those discerning to convert to Catholicism who are above the age of infant baptism.  Through various stages one studies and affirms his/her faith with others on the same journey with the support of a parish team:  priests, catechists, and sponsors along with the prayer support from the greater parish.  The parish support team encourages the individuals inviting them to full communion with the Church celebrating the sacraments of initiation:  Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation. This adult study/discussion group, for those who wish it, culminates in reception of Baptism (if necessary), Confirmation, and Holy Communion at the Easter Vigil Mass and if needed, in the fall. Guest speakers talk and share their personal experiences on various religious topics.  The program is also for those who would like to mentor others by teaching, guiding, and supporting men and women who are just beginning their journey of faith or refreshing their personal understanding of our faith.

Who is RCIA for?
RCIA is for three groups of adults (12^th grade and older):
1. Those who are not baptized
2.  Those who were baptized into another Christian denomination and wish to enter full communion with the Catholic Church.
3.  Baptized Catholics who never received formation and preparation to complete their initiation (those who have not received their First Communion and Confirmation).  

For those adults needing only Confirmation, please click on Confirmation Preparation tab under the Sacraments menu. 

Each Inquirer is required to have a sponsor to walk with them on this journey. Some Inquirers will already have a sponsor when they sign up for the sessions, however, we do have some that come without a sponsor and they do not know of anyone personally to sponsor them. We will find an appropriate sponsor for those who don't know someone that could be a sponsor. We invite the parish family to contact us for information on becoming a Community Sponsor as well as a Guest Speaker.

 

The sessions are held every Thursday evening at 7:00 pm. We provide a year-round process.  This means one can come at any time.  Each session last about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.  
 

For answers to your RCIA questions contact:

Virginia (Ginny) Lieto - 704-454-7561 or virginialieto@gmail.com 

Adult Confirmation contact: 

Micki O’Connor - 980-621-5451 or mickio53@hotmail.com

 

Step Up in Faith (RCIA for Children/Teens)

Our RCIA for Children and Teens, Step Up in Faith, is a two-year process. 

For those is grades 3-5 needing baptism, they will receive in Year 1.  The students will return for Year 2 to complete their needed requirements to prepare for the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Communion.  After
student receive First Communion they will need to enroll in regular Faith Formation classes to continue their faith journey to their Confirmation preparation that will begin in the 7^th grade.    

For students needing Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation who are in 6^th-11^th grade, they will attend our Step Up in Faith program as well in our Middle School/High School class.  Those designated for Year 1 will prepare to receive Baptism (if needed) along with preparation in their First Reconciliation and First Communion.  Depending on the student’s age, they may integrate into our regular Faith Formation classes for their Confirmation preparation session (in 7^th and 8^th grade) or return for Year 2 of Step Up in Faith that focuses on Confirmation Preparation.

Attention Parents:  all students who are preparing to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Communion will be required to attend sacramental preparation sessions along with the First Reconciliation Retreat and First Communion Retreat.  There are 6 Reconciliation sessions, 6 First Communion sessions and two retreats (2-4 hours).  This is not optional, but is required.

Parents who have children receiving the sacrament of Baptism will be required to complete Baptismal preparation classes. 

For more information, contact Kayla D'Allura at kaylad@saintjamescatholic.org or 704-720-0600x729.