RCIA – The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (often abbreviated RCIA) is the process through which interested adults are gradually introduced to the Roman Catholic faith and way of life.

The RCIA classes are hosted by Sister Mary McGrath in the Presbytery from October through to Easter. It 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, usually 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 generally invited to proceed at a pace which suits them individually. The Church prefers to call this a process and not a program.

As part of the RCIA process, the Group attends a Rite of Election Service at Lancaster Cathedral in February at the beginning of Lent, where all RCIA candidates from the Lancaster Diocese are welcomed by the Bishop. The culmination of the classes is the Easter Vigil Mass where the candidates are confirmed members of the Catholic Church and receive their first Communion.     

If you are interested in finding out more, please get in contact.