The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (R.C.I.A.) is rooted in the ancient traditions of the early Church that formed new believers in Jesus as members of the Christian community. Today, the R.C.I.A. continues in the Church's "family tradition" of welcoming, supporting, and nurturing new brothers and sisters in faith. R.C.I.A. forms today's inquirers into tomorrow's faithful, welcomes baptized persons of other faith communities as gifts to enrich our Church, and serves as a sign of the on-going need for conversion and renewal in our faith community.

WHO IS R.C.I.A. FOR?
R.C.I.A. is for any adult interested in learning about the church or becoming a Catholic Christian. Those just starting the process are called inquirers. When they become ready to commit to become members of the Church, they move on to the next steps of the process. If they have not been baptized, they are called Catechumens. If they have already been baptized, they are called Candidates. If they are baptized Catholics who are preparing for the sacrament of Confirmation, they are called Confirmandi. R.C.I.A. is also for any Catholic Christians who wants to learn more about the Church and his or her Catholic faith.

WHEN IS THE "RIGHT" TIME TO PARTICIPATE?
Becoming a Catholic is an important decision in your life, a decision that should be made after careful thought and prayer. We believe that your decision to look into the Catholic Church is your response to an invitation made by Jesus to come to know him through this community. In other words, Jesus is inviting you into a personal relationship with him. Conversion describes the process of coming to know Him more deeply. The Catholic community wishes to serve as an instrument to help you to grow in your relationship with the Lord.

HOW DOES R.C.I.A. WORK?
R.C.I.A. is a process of ever-deepening growth and commitment---a process that continues long after you are initiated into the Catholic Church. We will try to help you discover your readiness to make that commitment to Christ in and through the Church. To assist participants in their journey, our parish's R.C.I.A. program meets weekly (September through April) for approximately one and one-half hours. Sessions include a combination of lecture, discussion, multi-media presentations, prayer, and reflection. Finally, we will celebrate your journey to Christ in various rituals.

HOW DO I SIGN-UP OR LEARN MORE?
R.C.I.A. begins with the first session in early September. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Deacon Jeffrey Fortkamp at 614-578-5420 or jdfortkamp@gmail.com.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

The instructors, called catechists, teach and assist in the formation of individuals interested in learning more about the Catholic Church with an eye toward joining the Church. Instructors come from within the OLP parish, and the Central Ohio Catholic Community.

Team members contribute to presentations and discussions, and take a leadership role from Advent to Easter for Breaking Open the Word (Scripture discussions) at the 9:30am Mass.

Baptized parishioners are sometimes needed to sponsor an individual through the RCIA process. Candidates for Confirmation need the spiritual help of a sponsor. Contact Deacon Jeffrey Fortkamp at 614.578.5420 or jdfortkamp@gmail.com for more information.


ARE YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW INTERESTED IN BECOMING CATHOLIC?

At Our Lady of Peace parish, there are two possible "tracks" to receive the sacraments of Christian Initiation - to become Catholic. For most individuals, they will receive the sacraments of Christian Initiation at certain points in their young life - Baptism as an infant, First Communion in second grade, and Confirmation in seventh or eighth grade. For adults entering the Catholic Church, all three sacraments of Christian Initiation are celebrated at a single event - the Easter Vigil, through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). 

RCIA is the process by which adults become Catholic. The first phase is the Inquiry period. This is a time for searching, asking questions, and sharing your faith story. It is informal and no commitment is required. The subject matter of these initial sessions is determined by your questions. It is an introduction to stories about our God, His Church and our parish. The goal of these sessions is to increase the awareness of God's presence in your life and help you discern your initial readiness to embrace a path of faith within the Roman Catholic Church. Sessions begin each September. If you are interested or would like more information, please call the parish office at 614.263.8824.

If you are an adult returning to the Catholic Church, or in need of celebrating only one of the sacraments of Christian Initiation (e.g. you have already been Baptized and made your First Communion, but have not been confirmed), then contact the parish office. RCIA may be appropriate or there may be another option to best help you on your faith journey.