Becoming a Catholic (RCIA)

Deacon A. Keith Berg, Coordinator

The formation of adults who wish to become Catholics is a ministry of the RCIA or, as the acronym means, the "Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults." 

The Diocese of Metuchen, of which Most Holy Redeemer is a parish, describes RCIA as follows:

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) - names the process by which interested persons gradually become members of the Roman Catholic Church.

The RCIA is primarily a journey of faith: "From the awareness of stirring of faith and curiosity within one's heart...

• through all those stages of asking and seeking,
• through beginning involvement with Roman Catholic people,
• through hearing the Gospel proclaimed and by faithful reflection and prayer on this Word of God,
• through study and discussion about the Catholic experience,
• through doubts and hesitations,
• through discernment of God's call for them as individuals,
• through the steps of commitment,
• through the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist)
• to a life of faith, love, and justice lived in communion with Catholics throughout the world."