Interested in Becoming Catholic?

To start your journey, the first step is to contact your local parish to meet the RCIA coordinator and the parish priest in order to initiate the RCIA process or help you in answering any questions you may have. To search for parishes local to your area click here.

WHAT IS RCIA?

  • The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, or RCIA, is a communal process for formal initiation of new members into the Catholic Church.
  • RCIA is a process of study, exploration, faith-sharing, and faith formation with specific liturgical rites for seekers and inquirers. Seekers and inquirers are non-baptized adults who desire to be fully initiated into the Roman Catholic Church and/or baptized adult Christians who desire full communion in the Roman Catholic Church.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE RCIA PROCESS?

  • ​Un-baptized adults.
  • Adults baptized in non-Trinitarian formula.
  • Adults baptized as Catholic, but lack First Holy Communion and Confirmation.
  • Adults baptized & confirmed infants in the Catholic Church, but lack First Holy Communion.
  • Adults baptized in other Christian Churches, in the Trinitarian formula w/water.

WHAT IS THE RCIA JOURNEY?

Pre-Catechumenate
  • This is the earliest phase in the process; it is also known as the Period of Inquiry. Catechumens and Candidates acknowledge that Christ is calling them into the Church through the movement of the Holy Spirit. This is a time for seeking and reflection.
Rite of Acceptance
  • The first Rite in the RCIA process, the Rite of Acceptance accepts new members into the worshipping community.
Catechumenate
  • The longest part of the process, the Catechumenate is a time of learning and formation in the traditions and doctrine of the Catholic Church. This is a time for sharing stories, reading scripture, and studying the Church customs, traditions and doctrine. Participants also participate in worship services and various Church rituals.
Rite of Election
  • Catechumens and Candidates are chosen to be received by the bishop and the community and to receive the Sacraments of Initiation at Easter.
Sacraments of Initiation
  • At the Easter Vigil (Holy Saturday), all newly elected members of the community who have been journeying through the RCIA process are welcomed formally into the community of believers through receiving the Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.
Mystagogy
  • This is a time of reflection and celebration after the formal reception into the Catholic Church. Mystagogia means “leading into the mystery” and it is a time to explore the deep mystery of our faith and go forth to help build the reign of God on Earth as new members of the faithful.
RCIA & Marital Status
Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Houston, Tx
Questions regarding the annulment process, contact the Tribunal Office
RCIA and Baptism
Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Houston, Tx

Parish Resources

​TeamRCIA
​A free online resource, TeamRCIA provides a variety or materials for RCIA pastoral leaders and training materials for church ministers and volunteers including webinars, downloads, events, e-mails and discussion forums. 
​Questions & Answers about RCIA
​A variety of frequently asked questions and answers on all areas of the RCIA process provided by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
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CATECHUMENEON
A collection of training and print resources focused on Christian Initiation and designed to assist parishees with understanding and implementing the vision of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.
Association of Catechetical Ministry
ACM fosters the full implementation of the Order of Christian Initiation by providing  communication, resources, and education networks for diocesan and parish personnel working with the catechumenate.

RCIA Policies & Programs

RCIA Materials for Parishes 

The RCIA Kit: Prepare your candidates and equip sponsors and catechists for the journey toward Christian initiation.
The RCIA Family Kit: Prepare candidates and their families as you equip sponsors and catechists for the journey toward Christian initiation. ​
Friends on the Way: Children's Catechumenate Resource. Everything for children's RCIA catechists to teach the Catholic faith to children.
Guide to Adapting the RCIA for Children:  Helps prepare children and their families to celebrate the rites of the Church and the sacraments of initiation.

CONTACT  US

Faith Formation Director
Carlos Carrillo
carlos.carrillo@seattlearch.org
​206-654-4644
Formation Resources Specialist
Lisa Hillyard
lisa.hillyard@seattlearch.org
​206-382-4883
Liturgy Coordinator
Jennifer Day
jennifer.day@seattlearch.org
​206-654-4652
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