Are you considering joining the Catholic Church?
Would you like to find out more about becoming a Catholic?
Are you a Catholic who would like to grow in your own faith journey by helping others explore the love of God?
If you answered 'Yes' to any of these, you may be interested in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). The RCIA is a series of rites, catechesis, and faith development designed to help adults become full members of the Catholic Church. Within the RCIA, there are two basic types of people involved: Those who have never been baptized, and those who have been baptized in another faith and who wish to “convert” to the Catholic Church.The RCIA is made up of four stages:
Inquiry or Precatechumenate: In this first stage, individuals are given the opportunity to learn more about God, Jesus Christ, and the nuances of our Catholic faith and practices. It is during this stage that individuals begin to discern whether this commitment is for them. The length of time one spends in this stage depends upon each individual.
Catechumenate Stage: During this stage, individuals become “Catechumens” and begin a more formal preparation for baptism. Those who have already been baptized in another faith enter this stage as “Candidates”. Members of this stage continue with their faith formation and discernment.
Purification and Enlightenment: This stage begins on the first Sunday of Lent with the Rite of Election for those who have never been baptized and the Call to Lenten Renewal for those who have. Lent is ripe with prayers, rites, and meditation as individuals prepare for final conversion. The sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and First Communion) are always celebrated at the Easter Vigil.
Mystagogy: During this stage, the “neophytes” or new Catholics, deepen their understanding of the mystery, and work to live their new lives as full members of the Catholic Church.
Adults involved in this process participate in weekly dismissal from the 10 am Mass on Sunday to “Break Open” the Word of God. There is additional teaching on church doctrine on most Tuesday evenings. For more information, please contact Rev. Julian Studden at associate@stmaryscalgary.com Office Number 403-228-4170 (ext. 224).
Would you like to find out more about becoming a Catholic?
Are you a Catholic who would like to grow in your own faith journey by helping others explore the love of God?
If you answered 'Yes' to any of these, you may be interested in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). The RCIA is a series of rites, catechesis, and faith development designed to help adults become full members of the Catholic Church. Within the RCIA, there are two basic types of people involved: Those who have never been baptized, and those who have been baptized in another faith and who wish to “convert” to the Catholic Church.The RCIA is made up of four stages:
Inquiry or Precatechumenate: In this first stage, individuals are given the opportunity to learn more about God, Jesus Christ, and the nuances of our Catholic faith and practices. It is during this stage that individuals begin to discern whether this commitment is for them. The length of time one spends in this stage depends upon each individual.
Catechumenate Stage: During this stage, individuals become “Catechumens” and begin a more formal preparation for baptism. Those who have already been baptized in another faith enter this stage as “Candidates”. Members of this stage continue with their faith formation and discernment.
Purification and Enlightenment: This stage begins on the first Sunday of Lent with the Rite of Election for those who have never been baptized and the Call to Lenten Renewal for those who have. Lent is ripe with prayers, rites, and meditation as individuals prepare for final conversion. The sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and First Communion) are always celebrated at the Easter Vigil.
Mystagogy: During this stage, the “neophytes” or new Catholics, deepen their understanding of the mystery, and work to live their new lives as full members of the Catholic Church.
Adults involved in this process participate in weekly dismissal from the 10 am Mass on Sunday to “Break Open” the Word of God. There is additional teaching on church doctrine on most Tuesday evenings. For more information, please contact Rev. Julian Studden at associate@stmaryscalgary.com Office Number 403-228-4170 (ext. 224).
| Adult Inquirer Information Form |