Parish "programs" begin and end.  The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is much more than a "program."  The RCIA is an on-going sacramental process that welcomes individuals who wish to become Catholic. 

The RCIA, Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, is a journey of faith.  This Rite of the Catholic Church is for those who have not been baptized and is adapted for those who were baptized and come from other Christian traditions.  The RCIA process is more than a simple process of pouring the water and saying the words of baptism.  It is a time of inquiry, discovering where God is calling the individual.  This process is a time of learning what the Catholic Church is all about and how to live as Catholic Christians.  It is a time of preparation for the Easter sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.  The RCIA is a time of spiritual growth.

As a Rite of the Catholic Church this faith Journey is marked with liturgical celebrations.  We begin with the Rite of Acceptance, welcoming the inquirers and signing them with the sign of Christ.  The Rite of Sending sends the Catechumens to the Cathedral to be introduced to the Archbishop and celebrate the Rite of Election.  At the Easter Vigil the elect and candidates receive the sacraments of Initiation.

If you are being "tapped on your shoulder" by God to begin or continue your spiritual journey through the RCIA process email Terri Schiller tmschiller@stmaryparishwb.org or call 262-338-5600.  The RCIA process at St. Mary's is an ongoing process so now is a good time to begin.