Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

Are You or Is Someone You Know:

  • Interested in learning more about the Catholic faith?
  • Considering becoming a Catholic?
  • A Catholic interested in being Confirmed?

Join us for the Rite of Christian Initiaton of Adults (RCIA!)

If you have questions about the program, or wish to register, please use this contact form or phone Cat Nielsen, RCIA Co-ordinator at the parish office (510)-526-4811 xt. 113.

What is RCIA?

RCIA) is for those interested in becoming Catholic, or who have yet to celebrate the Sacraments of Initiation, including:
  • Those who desire to be baptized into the Catholic faith
  • Baptized Christians who desire to be received into the Catholic faith
  • Baptized Catholics who desire to receive the sacraments of Eucharist and/or Confirmation

Sessions are held on Tuesdays evenings, 7:00pm – 9:00pm, in Norton Hall (located down the steps from the parish parking lot). It is never too late to come to a meeting.  Please Note: Masks may be required at indoor meetings, and depending on local health orders may switch to online meetings.

Adult Catholics needing only the Sacrament of Confirmation are also welcome, though they may not require the full RCIA process. Much depends on an individual’s background and previous religious education.

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults Process

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults or RCIA is a Sacramental Process to bring prospective converts into the Catholic Church.  This process is open to people with no faith background, people of non-Christian faith, Christians from other denominations, and Catholic’s who have not received all of the sacraments of initiation.  The process may last one year, or many years depending on the individual’s acceptance of the teachings and events in their life.

Here at St. Mary Magdalen, RCIA participants attend Sunday Mass becoming part of our community, listen to the Word of God, and learn about the church programs and services.  Throughout the RCIA Process they are encouraged to join in at various events.

The goal of RCIA is to guide the participants to the reception of the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation at the Easter Vigil, described in the Roman Missal as the “mother of all Vigils.”

Inquiry
The process begins in the fall, with a twelve-week  period of Inquiry, also known as Evangelization and Precatechumenate.  During this period participants learn about Faith, The Holy Trinity, Jesus Christ, The Bible, Divine Revelation, Prayer, The Mass, The Sacrament of the Eucharist, Shepherds of the Church, the Church as a Community, Mary, and The Saints.   This period concludes when the participant is prepared to participate in the Rite of Acceptance or the Rite of Welcome.

Catechumenate
In this period instruction is presented on the principles of the Christian religion. Looking toward the Sacrament of Baptism, participants learn about the People of God, Early Church, Church History, the Sacraments of Initiation, Matrimony, Holy Orders, Penance and Reconciliation, and Anointing of the Sick, Christian Moral Life, Dignity of Life, a Consistent Ethic of Life, Social Justice and Living Lent.  This period lasts  approx. 12 weeks or as long as necessary for the participant  and concludes with the Rite of Election or the Call to Continuing Conversion at the Cathedral of Christ the Light.

Purification and Enlightenment
Participants, now known as an Elect or a Candidate, enter this period which coincides with Lent. Participants are expected to increase their discernment and come closer to God. This six-week period culminates in the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation at the Great Vigil of Easter. Participants focus on the Scrutinies, The Creed, The Way of the Cross, The Lord’s Prayer, The Chrism Mass, and the Meaning of Holy Week. 

Mystagogy
The Fourth period delves into how to live as life-long Christian. Participants learn about the Role of the Laity, Our Spiritual Gifts, Discernment, Call to Holiness, Living the Virtues, Family Life and Evangelization.   

These Neophytes are invited to participate in the various Ministries here at the Parish. They are also invited to become participants in the Mass as Greeters, Ushers, Altar Servers, Lectors and Eucharistic Ministers of Holy Communion. Becoming more involved is done at their own pace as they absorb all that it means to be a member of the body of Christ and following his teachings.