Rite of Christian Initiation

2023 Catechumens and Candidates

The process by which adults enter the church, either through Baptism or, for already-baptized adults, a profession of faith, is through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). We welcome seekers all year round, but begin weekly formation sessions in September. In general, new members enter the church each year at the Easter Vigil, the Saturday liturgy before Easter Sunday. Those who are unbaptized or who were baptized in another denomination participate in a series of public rites leading up to the Sacraments of Initiation being received.

Those who have already been baptized Catholic but are seeking formation for either Eucharist or Confirmation are also encouraged to attend, but are not required to take part in the public rites of the RCIA. We also encourage fully initiated Catholics to attend to get to know more about the faith and those who are seeking to join it. Fully initiated Catholics in good standing are also asked to prayerfully consider serving as a sponsor or RCIA team member. 

To receive more information about the RCIA at Saint Ann, please fill out the form below. Our Director of RCIA will contact you with more information within the next 48 hours. 

Once a child has reached the age of reason (7 years old), he or she is able to participate more fully in his or her choice to be baptized. For that reason, the process of Baptism for children seven years of age or older is more suited to his or her faith formation. The path of initiation for a child will vary depending on his or her circumstances. Preparing for the sacraments may take place within our Parish Religious Education Program, our parish school, or during our RCIA sessions, as the situation calls for it. The preparation process may also vary for a child who has been baptized into another Christian denomination, but whose parents now wish for him or her to profess the Catholic faith. Although the formation process for children who wish to join the church will differ from that for adults, they will often participate in the same rites leading up to the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil. If you are interested in next steps, please fill out the form below. Our RCIA Director will contact you with more information within 48 hours.

In addition to those adults preparing for Baptism or a profession of faith, we also welcome uncatechized already-baptized Catholics who are seeking the other Sacraments of Initiation: Eucharist and/or Confirmation. Already-baptized Catholics do not participate in the same rites as those who are unbaptized or baptized into another denomination, but will participate in a similar formation process. If you are interested in next steps, please fill out the form below. Our Director of RCIA will contact you with more information within the next 48 hours.