Becoming Catholic (RCIA)
Discover your Faith
The term RCIA stands for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. RCIA consists of a series of stages of preparation, as well as rites (rituals), which take place over a period of anywhere from nine months to a few years. The RCIA orginated in the earliest traditions of the Church for welcoming new members into the Catholic community.
Who is RCIA for?
- Anyone who has never been baptized
- Anyone who has been baptized in another Christian religion and wishes to become Catholic
RCIA at Notre Dame
Four words may help describe RCIA at Notre Dame: community, study, prayer, and service. Throughout the year the process places a strong emphasis on community. Each candidate or catechumen goes through the process with a sponsor. The candidate/catechumen may choose a sponsor, or Campus Ministry will introduce the candidate to a volunteer who would like to help with RCIA. Others who will be a part of the community include members of the team, priests, rectors, and friends who will want to be supportive and enouraging. Early on, participants begin to meet in small groups consisting of three to four candidates/catechumens, their sponsors, and a team member. These small groups stay together throughout the year.
Undergraduate and graduate students comprise most of the participants in Notre Dame’s RCIA and so the study component of the RCIA, while important, is not meant to feel like yet another academic course. We try to strike a balance between reading assignments, discussion, shared prayer and group activities. Over the course of the year, we read one book together, called Believing in Jesus which explores church teaching, doctrine, and history. Understanding Catholicism and growing in one’s faith is the adventure of a lifetime. The study aspect of the RCIA will give that adventure a strong start, but it won’t teach everything you ever wanted to know in nine short months!
Notre Dame’s RCIA provides participants many opportunities to deepen and grow in their life of prayer. In addition to participating in the worship of the 11:45 am Mass at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, the RCIA community prays together on retreats and at meetings, and together learns about different forms and styles of individual and communal prayer. Prayer, both as individuals and as members of a worship community, is at the heart of the RCIA.
Notre Dame’s RCIA also encourages its participants to put their faith into action through participating in service opportunities. Volunteering at the Center for the Homeless, becoming a Big Brother/Sister, participating in service trips through the CSC are all ways RCIA candidates can experience the living gospel and understanding the richness of our Catholic Social Teachings. Candidates are encouraged to reflect on their gifts and talents and share them with the larger community. The service component will hopefully inspire candidates to live a life committed to the values and actions of Jesus Christ.
How about sponsoring an RCIA catechumen/candidate?
Many RCIA candidates are in need of sponsors who serve as mentors and friends, helping them throughout the process. Sponsors attend all sessions, retreats and liturgical celebrations along with their candidates. If you are a confirmed Catholic and would be interested in assisting a candidate on his/her faith journey, please contact Campus Ministry and attend our Information Sessions for Sponsors.
2012 Information Sessions
For more information on RCIA, please come to one of the following sessions:
- Sunday, August 26, 4-5 pm
- Monday, August 27, 4-5 pm
- Sunday, September 2, 4-5 pm
For more information, please contact John and Sylvia Dillon at 574.631.7163 or at jdillon1@nd.edu
