Become a Catholic
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, commonly known as RCIA, is a process by which the Catholic Christian community welcomes and initiates new members. The process has evolved to meet the needs of the unbaptized (catechumens), as well as the baptized (candidates). The RCIA process addresses the life experiences and spiritual needs of the individual. It is important to recognize and respect the faith experience of each individual.
RCIA involves different stages and liturgical rites in which the catechumens and candidates join the rest of the faith community in an ongoing conversion as part of the life long process and commitment to a Christian way of life; an initial step in the “lifelong journey of intellectual, emotional and spiritual conversion.”
At our parish, RCIA and sacramental preparation helps non-Christians, Christian non-Catholics, as well as Catholics who have not celebrated first Communion or confirmation to be fully initiated into the Catholic Church. These individuals meet on a regular basis to learn about and discuss the various teachings of the Catholic Church.
At St. Bernard of Clairvaux, the RCIA process is held throughout the year. You may begin the process at any time. In general, full initiation of catechumens happens at the Easter Vigil. However, the process is tailored to meet the needs of each individual and is not limited to a calendar year or a school year vision. The various stages happen as they are needed and as candidate and catechumens are ready to move forward in the process.
For more information about our current program, please contact Hollie Uccellini, Director of Faith Formation.
Learn how to become a Catholic in the Diocese of Greensburg, or contact us for more information about the RCIA process in our parish community.