RCIA Program

• Are you someone who is interested in the Catholic faith?
• Are you an adult who was never baptized?
• Are you a member of another Christian faith who is seeking to join the Catholic Church?
• Are you a baptized Catholic who never received any religious instruction and have not received First Communion or confirmation?
• Are you a fully initiated Catholic who would like to work with those entering the Catholic faith?

The answer to all of these questions resides with RCIA.

What is RCIA? The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a process of study, exploration, and faith formation (with specific liturgical and paraliturgical Rites) for seekers and inquirers. Seekers and Inquirers are non-baptized adults who desire to be fully initiated into the Roman Catholic Church and/or baptized adult Christians who desire full communion in the Roman Catholic Church.

RCIA is a collaborative process of study, exploration and faith formation for non-baptized adults interested in membership in the Catholic Church, as well as previously baptized Christians who wish to be fully initiated into the Catholic Church through the sacraments of Baptism, Communion, and Confirmation.

A team that includes a Sponsor, catechist and hospitality positions carries out the RCIA ministry. Ministry in the RCIA involves guiding, supporting and instructing those seeking to become members of our Catholic community. Participation in the RCIA process involves several activities i.e. sponsor, catechist, team sharing. Team members share their faith with inquiring adults who are seeking more information about the Catholic Church, many of whom seek to celebrate one or more of the Sacraments of Initiation/Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation.

Team members will meet Sunday mornings from September to June for approximately 2.5 hours to share their faith with those who are seeking and inquiring. Training and support are provided through ongoing team meetings.

Saint Mary’s has regular informational meetings in the St. John Paul II Room in the Ministry Center located on the lower level of the church. If you are interested in joining the RCIA, either as an inquiring adult interested in becoming a member of the Church or as a part of the RCIA team, please contact us at 516-627-0385 or Email our coordinator, Sr. Teresa Raftery, IHM.