Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a preparation program for those considering becoming Catholic or for Catholics wishing to complete the sacraments of initiation. The RCIA is a communal process and involves a number of stages punctuated by liturgical rites to aid and assist the potential convert toward the final rite at the Easter Vigil at which time they will become full members of the Roman Catholic Church. The entire process takes several months, but participants are invited to proceed at a pace which suits them individually. The Church prefers to call this a process and not a program.
During the Second Vatican Council there was a call for the reinstatement of the Catechumenate. In 1972 Pope Paul VI promulgated the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. In 1986 the United States of America (USA) Bishops approved US additions to the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults and National Statutes and a national plan of implementation. In September 1988, the RCIA became mandatory in the USA .
The RCIA group at Holy Cross meets from September to Easter to prepare for their reception into the Church at the Easter Vigil.
The doors are open! All are welcome! Come join us! Please call Sallie Kabash for more information at 732-842-0348 x218.