Program - Adults

In 1988, the Catholic bishops of the United States directed that adults becoming Catholic do so using the process set forth in the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. R.C.I.A. stresses the connection among the three sacraments of Christian initiation -- Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist. During the Easter Vigil each year, the elect are welcomed into the Church and receive these sacraments.

The Order (Rite) of Christian Initiation of Adults is a restoration of the ancient practice of initiation in the Church that welcomes and forms adults in the way of Jesus as it is lived in the Catholic tradition. This process is divided into a series of steps and stages each with its own distinctive focus; for learning, praying and a spiritual growth that respects and supports the individuals' journey in faith.

Rooted in the ancient customs of the first Christians, R.C.I.A. is a formation process in which adults begin to experience what it means to be Catholic.

The goal is to nurture a free, intelligent and complete response to the living Word of God, entailing formation in liturgy (worship of God), catechesis (knowledge about the faith) and discipleship (living the model of Jesus Christ in daily life). The conversion of the heart and mind is nurtured by the universal Church, the parish, the family and the sponsor.

Conversion and initiation is a spiritual journey. This pilgrimage of the heart takes place through distinct stages over a period of time to bring about a deeper commitment to Christ, a thorough understanding of the Catholic faith, a firm commitment to the liturgical and moral responsibilities of a fully Christian life and an experience of the St. Thomas the Apostle Parish community.

Weekly sessions begin the last Sunday of September. Anyone interested in or desirous of becoming Catholic is invited to learn - through conversation not lecture - what the Church teaches. 

No matter at what point in an adult's search process a candidate enters the R.C.I.A. program; sessions follow the Church's liturgical year and explore Catholic basics and study the Bible as a collection of books...with stories from the beginning of creation.  

If you are interested in becoming an R.C.I.A. candidate or know someone who is, eMail Director, Margaret Brokaw at stareligiousedu@gmail.com. The very first step is a face-to-face meet + greet to learn more about you and see how/if the R.C.I.A. program is an appropriate right or next step for a candidate on his/her faith journey. A bit of personal, non-work history and background spiritual data collection follows to ascertain an adult's current spiritual place. 

This is a big step for many people to take. A person's desire to join the R.C.I.A. program does not commit them in any way, and there is no fee for the program or its materials. Some people come to R.C.I.A. because they have made the decision to become Catholic. Others come because they are seeking information in order to make a thoughtful decision. The St. Thomas Religious Education staff is here to assist candidates in whatever way they can.