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RCIA (Becoming a fully-initiated Catholic Christian)

- Are you, or do you know of, a non-Catholic adult interested in learning more about Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church? Are you a Catholic adult who never received the sacrament of Confirmation? Learn more about how we can become — and grow as — sons and daughters of God by joining the RCIA program here at St. Matthew Cathedral. We start with a 9 week Alpha course in late September.
  
  If you’re interested in learning more, please contact Jeanette McKew.
- What is RCIA?
  RCIA stands for Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and it is primarily designed to help non-Christians to learn more about Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church through a series of classes, discussions, and prayerful ceremonies (called “rites”). Non-Catholic Christians and Catholic Christians who have not received the sacrament of Confirmation are encouraged to join as well. This program can help people to grow in their faith and knowledge of God as they consider becoming fully-initiated Catholic Christians. At no point in this journey of discernment is there any obligation or pressure to join the Catholic Church.
- What is the process and when are the classes?
  RCIA typically meets weekly during periods in the Fall, Winter & Spring. There is an introductory 9 week course in the Fall that includes a Day Away in November. In the late Fall and through the Spring, a 16 session course follows on the teachings of the Catholic Church.
  
  The 9 week introductory course includes dinner, a video presentation and good conversation. The 16 session course is taught by Deacon Fred Everett and uses the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults.
  
  The entire process lasts about nine months. Everyone who is ready becomes Catholic at the Easter Vigil, the Saturday night before Easter. Those who are already baptized Christian (Candidates) enter the Catholic Church by making a Profession of Faith and receiving the sacraments of Confirmation and the Eucharist. They celebrate the sacrament of Penance before Easter. Those who have not ever been baptized (“the Elect”) enter the Catholic Church by receiving the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist. They celebrate the sacrament of Penance about a month or two after Easter.
- What is taught in RCIA?
  The teaching presented here at St. Matthew Cathedral is the authentic teaching of the Catholic Church. We are careful to distinguish opinion from Church teaching.
- How do I begin?
  Simple. Email Jeanette McKew or 574-289-5539.
- I've been baptized in another religion. Will I be re-baptized?
  No. You will enter the Catholic Church by making a “Profession of Faith.”
- I'm divorced. How does this affect me joining the Church?
  Everyone’s situation is different, but you will most likely need to begin the annulment process. If you are remarried you will need to wait until the process is completed in order to become a Catholic Christian. Fr. Budzinski can help you get started – give him a call. (289-5539)
- When can I become Catholic?
  Generally a person will join the RCIA during late Summer or early Fall and become Catholic at Easter the following year. On occasion, this time frame changes according to the needs of the person.
- What if I go through the RCIA and choose not to become Catholic?
  That’s your decision and you will not be pressured to become a Catholic Christian. Some people learn about the Catholic faith for a few years before deciding to become a member of the Catholic Church, and some never choose to do so. Regardless of your decision, you will be welcome here at St. Matthew Cathedral.
- Will becoming a Catholic Christian really affect my everyday life?
  Completely. For the better. When we give God control over our lives, He takes it and brings us a joy unlike anything we have ever known!