Becoming Catholic (RCIA)

- Who Do I Contact?
  
  Anthony Rosselli
  
  Director of Evangelization
  
  614.263.8824 ext 004
  arosselliolp-parish.org
- What is the RCIA?
  In short, the "Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults" (RCIA) is the preparation adults receive in order to enter the Catholic Church. At Our Lady of Peace, it is an initiation into the faith through lectures, discussions, multi-media presentations, prayer, and time for reflection.
  
  Who is the RCIA for?
  Typically, the RCIA is for any adult who is interested in receiving the sacraments of initiation: baptism, first communion, and confirmation. Attending RCIA sessions does not necessarily mean someone is certain they're ready to become Catholic. It is also for "inquirers" -- those who are simply interested in learning more.
  
  The RCIA thus includes people in several different situations:
  
  Candidates: Candidates have been previously baptized in other Christian churches and desire to now become Catholic. Candidates are potentially seeking the sacraments of first communion and confirmation.
  
  Catechumens: Catechumens have not been previously baptized in any Christian church. Catechumens are potentially seeking all three sacraments of initiation: baptism, first communion, and confirmation.
  
  Confirmandi: Confirmandi have been previously baptized in the Catholic Church but never received the sacrament of confirmation. After the RCIA, confirmandi receive the sacrament of confirmation.
  
  Inquirers: Inquirers are non-Catholics who want simply to explore the possibility of becoming Catholic. If they find themselves ready to proceed, they will become candidates, catechumens, or confirmandi.
  
  What does the RCIA look like?
  Beginning in the Fall, the RCIA at Our Lady of Peace meets every week on Sundays from 9:30am to 11:00am. There is a short talk, time for discussion and Q and A, as well as introductions to Catholic prayers, devotions, and worship. For catechumens and candidates, there are also several short rites along the way that take place during Sunday Masses.
  
  At the Easter Vigil Mass -- the night before Easter Sunday morning -- catechumens and candidates receive their sacraments of initiation. Adult confirmandi typically receive the sacrament of confirmation at a different time.
  How do I learn more?
  At Our Lady of Peace, RCIA begins in the Fall -- either late September or early October. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Anthony Rosselli at arosselli@olp-parish.org.