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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I become Roman Catholic as an adult? I have never been baptized?
The general norm for non-baptized adults is to pray, study and belong to the Catholic community through the RCIA process for at least one year. Easter is the usual time for adult baptism.
I have been baptized in a Christian denomination but I want to become Catholic.
For a person to become Catholic they do not need to be baptized again. One may come into “Full Communion” by a period of study and participation in liturgy and the Catholic Community. If you have been baptized with water in the words, "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." then the Catholic Church will not re-baptize you.
You will need to provide us with your baptism certificate. The Catholic Church respects your Christian upbringing and the faith experiences that are part of your life. Becoming Catholic does not mean rejecting your previous faith background. God is now inviting you to live it out.
I am a Catholic but I have never received the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Although RCIA is intended for people seeking to enter into the Catholic Community through baptism or for people that have been baptized in other faiths who would like to become members of the Catholic Church we also encourage those that for some reason did not complete their sacraments of initiation at an earlier age. Within the RCIA program we will work with you to complete this process.
I am getting married in May. Will I be able to complete the RCIA by then?
Maybe yes, and maybe no. The faith journey to become a Catholic takes time and energy. The timeline of a faith journey does not always coincide with that of a wedding.
If you are engaged, the deepening of your relationship with your fiancé and the preparation for your wedding take time. The deepening of your relationship with the Church community and the preparation for your baptism or full membership in that community also take time. It may or may not be possible for both journeys to arrive at a particular calendar date at the same time.
For example, the Catholic Church suggests that a person spend a year in the Catechumenate to prepare for baptism or full initiation into the Church. The sacramental celebration of this initiation occurs once yearly at the Easter Vigil. Even if you begin inquiring about the Catholic faith a year before your marriage, your baptism may not occur before the date of your wedding. The Church wants to work with you. But sometimes working such a conflict out is beyond the Church's control - and not what is ultimately best for you. At times it is helpful to wait until after marriage to begin your inquiry into becoming Catholic to be sure this desire is out of your personal conviction. Becoming Catholic should not come from the pressure of an impending wedding.
When does the program begin?
You can begin the RCIA as soon as you are ready. We have Inquiry sessions starting all the time. The time to receive the sacraments or for reception into Full Communion is somewhat dependent on when you start the sessions and on personal situations, although Easter Vigil is the primary time.
What are some aspects of the process?
STUDY: RCIA sessions are held Sundays from 10:30 – 12:00
WORSHIP: The expectation is that the candidate is participating at Sunday liturgy weekly. On selected Sundays, candidates are actively asked to come forward for prayer by the community and have a dismissal procession to another room for continued reflection on the Sunday Scripture.
PRAYER: Other prayer events are called “retreats”. This is time set aside for reflection and prayer.
SOCIAL: The community is an important aspect of Catholic life. Participation in various parish events is encouraged. Specific socials are held for the group preparing to join the Church.
SERVICE: Outreach to others is essential to the Christian way of life. Sponsors introduce their candidates to the opportunities available and help make the connections.
What are the expectations for those involved in the RCIA process?
Those discerning whether to join the Catholic Church should make every effort to attend the weekly sessions and all ritual celebrations. All are expected to attend mass each Sunday and holy days. It is especially important that the non-catholic candidates who have yet to receive their first Eucharist attend 9:30 am Sunday mass so that through their liturgical dismissal for scripture study, they may witness to their commitment and the faith community in attendance may come to know them and hold them in prayer.
What am I expected to know?
Your faith journey is a time of formation that is much more than education. Faith formation is a time for you to grow in the awareness of your relationship with Christ, with God, and with the Catholic Church. There are no tests; there are no grades.
How long does it take to become a Catholic?
This question is answered differently by everyone and it is difficult to give a time frame at the outset. There is no need to rush your faith journey.
If you have not been baptized, the process usually takes a year or more. Because adult baptisms are celebrated at the Easter Vigil, your baptism could take place at the Easter Vigil following the coming celebration of Easter.
If you have already been baptized into another Christian faith tradition, you may require less time, depending on the faith formation you previously received and your present involvement in the practice of your faith.
We want to listen to both your needs and desires; We also do not want to deprive you of the opportunity to discern God's gifts to you at this important moment in your life. Time is needed for your faith formation as an adult
What is a Sponsor?
A Christian Sponsor is an active member of the Catholic community who is willing to be a friend and guide, and to attend these various events with you.
Can my spouse or fiancé be my sponsor?
A spouse may participate in the study sessions and may choose to be a sponsor him or herself to another candidate; however we suggest that an unrelated person or another member of the Catholic community be your sponsor. This provides an opportunity to broaden one’s perspective. You do not need to find your own sponsor. We have members from our parish that have volunteered to join you in this effort.
What is the time commitment?
Every Sunday 9:30 a.m. Mass and Sessions until 12:00pm
Two retreats during regular Sunday sessions (1-2 hours)
Liturgical Rites associated with the RCIA
Who is the catechetical team?
The RCIA team consists of Deacon Jorge and Esther Rodriguez, Lou and Susan Clark, Alicia Clark, Dee Wise and Bob Fuerst.
How do I begin this process?
The first step is to contact Deacon Jorge Rodriguez or Esther Rodriguez by email or at 865-5743. You can also go by the church office and pick up an Inquiry Information Packet.
The Community of St Raphael welcomes you!
We look forward to sharing in the gifts you bring and the journey ahead of you.