Becoming Catholic-RCIA

What is RCIA?
RCIA, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, is the process in the Catholic Church through which adults who are unbaptized or have been baptized in another faith tradition learn about the Catholic faith and discern if they are called to be baptized in/received into the Catholic Church. Everyone who joins the Catholic Church as an adult is initiated into the Church through the RCIA program.
 
 
How long does RCIA take?
Our classes run from October through Easter; however, the length of time a person is in discernment and preparation is solely determined by the individual. Some will join the Church at the end of the RCIA course. Others will not, or they may return the next year to learn more as they continue to discern. There is no deadline for this formation, and there's no commitment to become Catholic simply because you're taking RCIA classes. There is only the commitment to learn and discern.
  
 
Who can participate in RCIA?
RCIA is for adults who are unbaptized, or were baptized in faith traditions other than the Catholic Church, and are discerning baptism or full reception into the Catholic Church. 
 
 
How is RCIA class structured at St. Nicholas?
At St. Nicholas, we use a hybrid learning approach to our RCIA classes. Part of our course is in an online format, and participants work through readings, videos, and journaling in monthly modules. Then, we host an evening meeting once a month in our parish center on the St. Nicholas campus. In our meetings, we discuss what we've learned in our independent study, have a Q & A with Father Whittington, and enjoy a meal together. 
  
 
 Who coordinates and teaches RCIA?
 The DRE coordinates and develops the RCIA course. Father Whittington explains the deeper theological questions in his Q & A session at the monthly meetings. 
 
 
What topics do we cover in RCIA?
The topics we cover include: Core Catholic doctrine; Liturgy & the Mass; the Sacraments; the history of the Catholic Church; and Catholic culture & teaching on current topics. 
 

Can divorced, or divorced and remarried, individuals participate in RCIA?
Yes, divorced or divorced & remarried folks can attend the RCIA program; however, the previous or current marriage might need to be attended to before baptism or reception into the Catholic Church can happen. Sometimes, a marriage will have to be annulled. It's important to let the RCIA coordinator know if you are divorced, divorced & remarried, or if your spouse is divorced and remarried so we can begin any processes that might be required. 
 
 
How much does RCIA cost?
There are no fees, and all study materials will be provided to you.