RCIA Frequently Asked Questions
What is the RCIA?
The Catholic Church always welcomes new members into its community. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process by which people enter into the Catholic Faith. It is a process by which interested men and women can explore the Catholic Faith in order to decide whether or not to become Catholic. One is not required to have any previous exposure to Christianity in order to participate.
Who can join the RCIA?
Any person who is either an unbaptized person or a baptized Christian of another faith, may participate in the RCIA.
What is the actual process of the RCIA?
The RCIA process includes several months of classes of inquiry and study during which interested individuals can learn about the core beliefs of the Catholic Church, its moral teachings and liturgical practices, and become acquainted with the life of the parish community. Individuals can ask questions of the RCIA team members and the team can assist the inquirer with understanding more about the spiritual journey they are undertaking.
How long does the RCIA process last?
RCIA classes are held weekly beginning in September and continuing until Pentecost of the following year. Participants are welcomed into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil.
What if I am not ready to become Catholic at that time?
Any participant in the RCIA process can choose not to become Catholic at Easter time. It is quite common for individuals to continue their discernment and study of the Catholic faith for an additional year or more. The Church greatly respects the time each person needs for conversion and decision, and one should not feel pressured to become Catholic before one is ready.
Does anyone help me during the process?
The RCIA team, which includes a priest from St. Anne’s, is always willing to help. During the process, individuals will be required to select a sponsor or godparent, who is a practicing Catholic, who will serve as a spiritual friend and guide during the process and in one’s future life as a Catholic Christian. Godparents and sponsors are welcome to attend classes and activities with the individual. If the individual does not know anyone who is a Catholic Christian, the RCIA team can help to find a suitable sponsor for them. Spouses or fiancées may assist the participant, but are not encouraged to act as their sponsors or godparents.
What documents are required for becoming Catholic?
Baptized Christians of most denominations will need a copy of their baptismal record. Copies of marriage certificates and decrees of annulment in the Church may be required if appropriate.
If you have additional questions, you may email or call the Parish Office at 706-561-8678.
The Catholic Church always welcomes new members into its community. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process by which people enter into the Catholic Faith. It is a process by which interested men and women can explore the Catholic Faith in order to decide whether or not to become Catholic. One is not required to have any previous exposure to Christianity in order to participate.
Who can join the RCIA?
Any person who is either an unbaptized person or a baptized Christian of another faith, may participate in the RCIA.
What is the actual process of the RCIA?
The RCIA process includes several months of classes of inquiry and study during which interested individuals can learn about the core beliefs of the Catholic Church, its moral teachings and liturgical practices, and become acquainted with the life of the parish community. Individuals can ask questions of the RCIA team members and the team can assist the inquirer with understanding more about the spiritual journey they are undertaking.
How long does the RCIA process last?
RCIA classes are held weekly beginning in September and continuing until Pentecost of the following year. Participants are welcomed into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil.
What if I am not ready to become Catholic at that time?
Any participant in the RCIA process can choose not to become Catholic at Easter time. It is quite common for individuals to continue their discernment and study of the Catholic faith for an additional year or more. The Church greatly respects the time each person needs for conversion and decision, and one should not feel pressured to become Catholic before one is ready.
Does anyone help me during the process?
The RCIA team, which includes a priest from St. Anne’s, is always willing to help. During the process, individuals will be required to select a sponsor or godparent, who is a practicing Catholic, who will serve as a spiritual friend and guide during the process and in one’s future life as a Catholic Christian. Godparents and sponsors are welcome to attend classes and activities with the individual. If the individual does not know anyone who is a Catholic Christian, the RCIA team can help to find a suitable sponsor for them. Spouses or fiancées may assist the participant, but are not encouraged to act as their sponsors or godparents.
What documents are required for becoming Catholic?
Baptized Christians of most denominations will need a copy of their baptismal record. Copies of marriage certificates and decrees of annulment in the Church may be required if appropriate.
If you have additional questions, you may email or call the Parish Office at 706-561-8678.
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St. Anne Catholic Church
2000 Kay Circle Columbus, GA 31907 Phone: (706) 561-8678 Fax: (706) 565-4845 stanneweb@gmail.com |