Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is an in-depth, personalized process of bringing new members into the Body of Christ through prayer, sharing, learning, serving, and liturgy.  Adults or teens who are seeking Baptism or full reception into the Catholic Church (First Communion and Confirmation) are not just brought into contact with God through the sacraments, but are also brought into the church community and into deeper contact with themselves.

The RCIA process has four stages:

• First is a period of inquiry. We help you to discern and decide about your draw to God through the Catholic Church.  It is a time to share stories, be honest about our desires and trepidations, and get a feel for the way the community walks together as Catholic Christians.
• The second is the catechumenate. This is a time of learning from the Word of God and sharing in service with the community.  We give you a Sponsor from the parish community to serve as personal support and mentor throughout your ongoing experience of conversion.
• The third is the period of purification and enlightenment, an intense period of spiritual preparation for the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation.  As a parish community, we attest to our experience that you have responded to God’s call and pronounce you “Elected.”  Over the course of 40 days, the community offers our most precious prayers for you and shares them with you. 
• Fourth, and after the reception of the sacraments, we continue to walk with you as you experience the mysteries of God from the inside (mystagogy).  The sacraments are a source of a new life, and we work hard to help you adjust and grow into the reality of your new life in Christ.

There is no obligation for those who enter the process to become Catholic.  Our program is tailored to fit those on different paths due to their level of knowledge of the Christian faith and previous experience with the Catholic Church.  The RCIA process at St. Leonard parish is ongoing and personalized: although the Sacraments of Initiation are traditionally conferred at the Easter Vigil, we welcome inquiries and RCIA participants throughout the year.    

Click here to learn more about the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults:

https://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/who-we-teach/christian-initiation-of-adults

Are you interested in learning more about RCIA?  Please contact the parish office, at 502-897-2595 or via email.

RCIA Team Members

People journeying through the RCIA process need sponsors and community support to help them grow in faith. The RCIA team and sponsors help guide, support, and instruct those discerning whether to become members of our Catholic community.  Team members share their faith with inquiring adults who are seeking more information about the Catholic Church, many of whom seek to celebrate the Sacraments of Initiation.  Please contact the parish office, at 502-897-2595 or via email if you would like to help with RCIA.