Becoming Catholic: RCIA - Rite of Christian Initiation

Is RCIA For Me?

If you are:
  • Baptized in another faith and wanting to know more about the Catholic Faith
  • Nonbaptized and wishing to know more about the Catholic Faith and Church
  • Baptized Catholic with little or no formal religious training
  • Baptized Catholic and wish to be Confirmed

RCIA Is For You.

RCIA, or the Right of Christian Initiation for Adults, is the process through which an individual becomes a member of the Catholic Church and more particularly joins our community here at St Raymond. It has its roots in the early centuries of the Church: the call to all Christians to evangelize our faith comes directly from the mouth of Jesus when he directs his apostles to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth.

Through RCIA, this very personal responsibility, allows us to bring the fullness of following Christ in our Catholic tradition to those of our family and friends who have expressed an interest in finding out more about the faith we treasure so deeply.

RCIA can also be a gift to anyone you might know who through your simple suggestion, might seek to explore our Catholic faith.
Like most people, we long to be part of a community where we can enjoy acceptance, belonging and healing. It is basic to our nature and it often appears to be the driving force behind most of our actions.

RCIA can help satisfy this need in us. Most importantly, it can also bring us close to our God and friend, Jesus.

All Are Welcome

Our RCIA classes are open to all who are interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith. Acceptance of the faith is a totally personal decision.
RCIA is not a program. Rather, it is a process of learning and living the Good News of Jesus as revealed in the Bible and by Catholic tradition. In the process we explore the teachings, practices, and the history of the Catholic Church. Our goal is to have each member come to enjoy a richer, fuller understanding of God, our relationship to God and to the community.
"I began my RCIA journey in September 2008. I had no idea how much I would enjoy the experience. It had become important to me to become Catholic like the rest of my immediate family, and as I went through the RCIA process it became even more important to me and very rewarding. We had a very special group of people in our RCIA group and I enjoyed getting to know them better in a social and spiritual way. I also enjoyed and appreciated the special relationship and bond that I developed with Father William. Although I learned many things during my RCIA journey, one of the most important things I learned was how to use prayer to communicate with God and to organize in my mind the things for which I am thankful and wishful. The Easter Vigil was one of the most special evenings of my life as I was baptized, received my first communion and was confirmed. Now I look forward to renewing our wedding vows in the Catholic Church."
--Kim McNair, 2008-2009 RCIA participant

The RCIA Journey: Friendly, Informal, Low-Key

To join our classes at St. Raymond, download the registration form, or for more information contact:
Tom Kelly
Phone: (650) 670-2200

CALENDAR

Classes meet once a month for about 1 1/2 hours, October thru Easter. Class journey begins with an "inquiry"period followed by a teaching phase. Prayer, scripture and the Catholic way of life are a part of the teaching phase.

GODPARENTS/SPONSORS

Those seeking to become a Godparent or sponsor of an RCIA Candidate should refer to the following information regarding Letters of Good Standing.
"If you live in me and my words remain in you, you may ask what you will and it will be done for you."
John 15:15