Becoming Catholic
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
The RCIA is a process for forming new members of the Catholic Community. The RCIA is addressed primarily to the unbaptized, baptized members of other traditions seeking a relationship with the Catholic Church, and Catholics who have been baptized but have never received formal training. The process is designed for adults, and children over the age of seven who are new to the Catholic faith.
RCIA Contact: Deb Cohen 815-347-7223
Andrea Walsh 815-970-6412
Please see the schedule of events PDF file below.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Children
Children's Catechumenate
Modeled after the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA), the Children's Catechumenate at St. Mary is designed for those children new to the Catholic religion.
Together with their parents, children attend classes which are held year round.
The Children's Catechumenate takes the children through a four step process beginning with the "Inquiry Process," where the families get to know one another and share their experiences of God and church.
Next is the "Catechumenate" period, where the families continue to learn about the Catholic Church and it's beliefs. The "Purification & Enlightenment" period follows, a time that coincides with Lent & that through prayer and reflection brings about a sense of need for conversion, culminating with the reception of the appropriate Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil.
Because this is an ongoing process, new inquiries are always welcome. Please contact the Office of Faith Formation and Religious Education for more information about joining this program.
RCIC Contact: Patty Croom
Please see the schedule of events PDF file below.
RCIA Schedule 2009-2010
(pdf file - 104 KB)
Click here to see the meeting dates, topics, and meeting location for each event.
RCIC Schedule for 2009-2010
(pdf file - 32 KB)
Click here to see the schedule of meeting dates, topics, and meeting locations for each event.
RCIA Form
(pdf file - 147 KB)
This form can be filled out and e-mailed.
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