Not a Catholic?

Thinking of becoming a Catholic?

Would you like to know more about the Catholic Church?

Would you like to sponsor someone on their Journey into the Catholic Faith?

Consider the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A)

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the result of the directive of Vatican Council II for the restoration of the ancient practice of initiation in the church. It is a communal process of spiritual and educational formation for adults who seek to become full members of the Roman Catholic Church through their conversion of mind and heart. Focused on conversion, candidates enter an extended period of formation. The community ritually celebrates the conversion at various points on the journey culminating with the celebration of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil.  This initiation is not concerned about programs but is concerned rather with the fundament values of Christian life.  The process is open to all persons, regardless of religious background or philosophical persuasion, who genuinely seek, by God's grace, to live their lives in the distinctive Catholic Christian faith.  

The RCIA is divided into various periods that respect the individual journey of faith.  These periods function as a process of formation to the gospel. The period of Inquiry is the time when people ask questions about the Catholic Faith. In this period, they learn about the Scriptures, Salvation, Jesus and the kingdom message. There is no time requirement assigned to this period. When a person is ready then they move on. The period of Catechumentae begins when a person has accepted the saving power of Christ in their life. During this time they learn more about the sacraments, ritual and the life of the church. They attend Mass and are called to reflect more deeply on the Word of God. The Period of Purification  and Enlightenment corresponds to the beginning of Lent.  It is the time when the candidates are called a special name, “the Elect” and are encouraged to develop and increase their prayer life. The period normally begins with a rite of Election celebrated at the Cathedral Church in Portland. It is their first exposure to a larger church and to our shepherd, the Bishop.   The Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation occurs during the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday.  This is the most prominent night of our liturgical season when the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Eucharist are conferred on the candidates who seek full membership into the Catholic Church. The period of Mystagogy completes the initiation process. It begins after Easter Sunday and extends into Pentecost. During this time, the newly initiated are called Neophytes and are encouraged to reflect on their experience and their new life in the church. During this time, they listen to the wisdom of community members who shared their gifts and talents and insights into this gospel of life and how to sustain it along the way.  This begins their pilgrimage as a community of the faithful.

The Rites of Christian Initiation for Adults is the process through which adults (and children/teens) become members of the Catholic Faith. If you have never been baptized or, if you have been baptized in another Christian church and would like to consider your faith journey in the Catholic Church,  you are invited to attend. There is absolutely no pressure to become a catholic. This is your time and your decision.  If you were baptized as a Catholic but never received any follow formation or never receded the remainder of the sacraments of initiation (i.e., Confirmation/and or Eucharist) this process is for you as well. 

You can begin the process now by filing out the form below and bring it into the parish office.  You will be contacted by an RCIA team member. For more information call Sr. Marilyn Barry at the parish office, 503-636-7687.

RCIA Inquiry Form

What is required to serve in this Ministry?