The RCIA is the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. It is a formal process by which an adult becomes a member of the Catholic Church. It is a flexible program that people enter from different starting points. Some students may only wish to learn something or more about the Catholic Church. Others may come to this program to receive a Sacrament . If one has no religious affiliation, one might be baptized (if one has been baptized in another Christian faith that is sufficient). Another student may have been baptized but wish to receive the Sacrament of the Eucharist (also known as “First Communion”). Others may wish to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, a deepening of one’s baptismal commitment. One could join the program for any of these reasons. This is a journey that one undertakes with God - the RCIA team is there to serve and to help along the way. There is never any pressure to become a Catholic, and one is free to discontinue the process at any time.

The program has a number of parts to it. The initial part is characterized by “a come and see” attitude. One finds out where one is on the journey to God. This is called the Pre-Catechumenate or Period of Inquiry. Susan conducts this part through individual interviews and a class or two on searching

The second part is called the Period of the Catechumenate. Here the students are introduced to the Catholic faith over a period of an academic year.

These information sessions are by lecture and discussion. Classes and faith sharing sessions with Susan Leyster are also interspersed during this period.

The third period is called The Period of Enlightenment and Purification. It is during this part that students receive the Sacraments to become full members of the Catholic Church: Baptism, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Confirmation. This is usually done on the first Sunday after Easter in the Abbey Church. This is followed the next Sunday with the Period of Mystagogia. This is a class where the newly initiated learn the aspects of belonging to a parish and some of the many ways that one can live out one’s faith.

If you have been baptized in another Christian faith or a Catholic from birth you will need a copy of your baptismal certificate.

The Catholic Church recognizes the sanctity of marriage between two baptized Christians. If you or your spouse have ever been married before, we ask that you meet with Susan Leyster to discuss your marriage history. This can be a difficult process, so we ask your patience as we work with you.