Becoming Catholic

Becoming Catholic

Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)

Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. (Isa 43:1)

How Do I Enter the Catholic Church?

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) and Children (RCIC) restores the ancient practices of initiation into the Church through conversion, liberation and redemption in the person of Jesus, the Christ. Those who have not been baptized or who have not completed their sacraments will join us through a spiritual journey with the entire parish community by deepening their awareness and commitment to be disciples of Christ. Come share in the journey! The one-year program begins in September and ends in May of the following year.  For more information, contact Sylvia Macias at (213) 749-8950.

The Process

First Step

Acceptance into the Order of the Catechumens

The first liturgical rite in which enquirers express and the Church accepts their intention to respond to God’s call and follow the way of Jesus Christ.

Period of Evangelisation &

Pre-Catechumenate

A time of enquiry and introduction to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. An opportunity for the beginnings of faith.

Second Step

Election or Enrollment of Names

The liturgical rite during which the Church formally approves the catechumens readiness for the Sacraments of Initiation.

Period of the Catechumenate

The period of time for growth in faith and conversion to God through prayer, catechesis,

and fellowship.

Third Step

Celebration the Sacraments of Initiation

This is the most important of all transitional Rites because it is when the elect are fully incorporated into Christ and the Church by Baptism, Confirmation and the Holy Eucharist at the Easter Vigil.

Period of Purification & Enlightenment

It is a time of more intense spiritual preparation during Lent for reception of the Sacraments of Initiation at Easter.

Fourth Step

Mystagogia (Neophyte Year)

Mystagogy or post-baptismal catechesis is an important period of time for the newly initiated to reflect on their Easter experience who will spend their first year being Catholic.

Becoming A Catholic

"Becoming a Catholic is one of the most profound and joyous experiences of life. Some are blessed enough to receive this great gift while they are still infants, and over the course of time they grow into a recognition of the enormous grace that has been bestowed upon them, of the dignity and wonder of their identity as Catholics. Others come into the Catholic fold while they are older children or adults. In these cases it is necessary for people to have a grasp of the joyful process by which one becomes a Catholic". (J. Akins)

  • Requirements for Registration for Adults

    • Adults 18+ required to follow an 8 month program
    • If Baptized and have received First Holy Communion, must submit a copy of their baptismal and First Holy Communion certificates at the time of registration.
    • If not baptized, please submit a copy of Birth Certificate.
    • The cost of the program is $130.00 payable in full on the day of the registration.
    • Classes start in September and conclude in May of the following year. 

  • Requirements for Registration for Children

    • The program for children and teens between 7 and 17 years of age runs for two (2) years. 
    • All families must submit a copy of the child's baptismal certificate at the time of registration.
    • If the child has not been baptized, please submit a copy of their Birth Certificate.
    • Classes begin in September and end in May of the following year. 
    • The Cost of the program:

                     First Year: $130.00 per child

                     Second Year: $130.00 per child
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