Becoming Catholic
Welcome! The Partner parish family is excited that you are considering becoming Catholic or completing your journey of Initiation. We hope that this page will answer many of your questions. The parish community will be happy to answer any questions, address any concerns, and to assist you throughout this journey. Please do not hesitate to contact us at the parish office, 724-327-0647. We are eager to help you!
What is RCIA?
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process that is used to assist people on their journey into a full, participating member of the Catholic Church (‘full communion’). The focus of RCIA is to help form persons in the teachings, beliefs, and practices of the Church, while at the same time furthering the spiritual development of the person. This modern rite was restored in the late 1970s, in the wake of the Second Vatican Council, but it is based on the ancient “order of catechumens,” which dates to the earliest years of the church’s history.
Who is RCIA for?
RCIA is a faith formation process designed primarily for adults who have not been baptized in any faith and are intentionally seeking God in their lives. Additionally, it is for those baptized in other faiths, as well as baptized Catholics who have never completed their sacraments of initiation, specifically confirmation and Eucharist. Maybe you have been coming to Mass for years, or maybe you are at a turning point in your life. Perhaps you saw an ad in the bulletin and want to start thinking more seriously about your faith. Perhaps your child or spouse is Catholic and you feel that you would like to share the same faith. Here at St. John Baptist de La Salle and St. Mary, Our Lady of Lourdes, we would like to invite you to consider becoming Catholic.
What are the expectations of a person in RCIA?
Those who seek God as an adult have an opportunity to foster a closer relationship with him. RCIA helps people develop that relationship and discover great spiritual growth. Instructors who serve as guides teach the fullness of the faith and relate it to the scriptures. Individuals are aided by personal sponsors and a community of individuals with the shared interest of seeking out and coming to know God more closely.
When do the RCIA sessions occur?
All persons in RCIA are encouraged to join the parish community at Sunday Mass. While there are occasional modifications to the process, the norm is weekly formation sessions led by members of the RCIA team regularly occur every week at a time convenient for the group from the middle of September through the Easter season. The desire of this time of preparation is conversion through a change of heart and a deepening of your relationship with Jesus Christ.
How do I get started?
Your faith journey, which has already begun, will continue throughout your life. This journey of conversion is a time for you to grow in awareness of your relationship with God and the Catholic Church. If you believe that God is calling you to begin RCIA or ask more questions about this process, please contact Father at the parish office or Bruce Livengood.