What is RCIA?
RCIA stands for Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults/OCIA stands for the Order of Christian Initiation. RCIA/OCIA is the systematic program by which adults can enter the Catholic Church. Those who wish to become Catholic are received into the Church every year at the Easter Vigil Mass or another time. The RCIA process focuses heavily on catechesis (The Creed, sacraments, moral life, prayer), but also aims to incorporate activities that help participants better understand Catholic liturgy, prayer, and customs in his/her conversion. We welcome anyone who is interested in learning more about God and the Catholic faith.
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, or RCIA, will have its name changed to Order of Christian Initiation for Adults, or OCIA. The change applies to both the process by which adults enter the church and the book that contains the liturgical text.
This change is a part of the continued effort to update liturgical texts to reflect greater fidelity to the original Latin. The Latin text from which the English is translated is titled Ordo Initiation is Christianæ Adultorum. The English word “order” is an updated translation of the Latin word “ordo”. The name change also reflects the understanding that the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is not a single rite, but rather a collection of liturgical rites used for persons who are entering the Catholic Church. The revised text of the OCIA will be released in December, 2024.
Learn moreWhen and where is RCIA?
RCIA/OCIA Session Information:
When: In-person classes on Mondays from 7:00-8:30 p.m., late August/early September – May
Where: Basilica of St. Mary Lyceum Auditorium (313 Duke Street) *unless otherwise indicated on the RCIA Calendar
Please see our schedule for an overview of the entire program.
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Do I have to start the RCIA process by a certain date?
There is no deadline per se, however, we strongly recommend beginning the process in late August/early September and attend the full program by attending and participating in classes regularly. We can accommodate different situations, so please contact us to discuss a plan for consistent faith formation. Late registrations may mean an adult is delayed in receiving the sacraments.
The primary aim is ensuring you truly desire to become a fully-initiated Catholic and are ready and fully prepared. For more questions, see our Frequently Asked Questions about RCIA.
Sponsor Information
The requirements of the Catholic Church’s Canon Law (872-874), a Catholic godparent/sponsor:
- Must be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church
- Be at least 16 years of age
- Received the sacraments of Baptism, Holy Eucharist, and Confirmation
- If married, it must be a valid sacramental marriage
- Not be bound by canonical penalties
- Not be the father or mother (of one being baptized/confirmed).
If you are a member of The Basilica of Saint Mary, have been asked to be an RCIA sponsor, and are a Catholic in good standing by meeting the above requirements, please use the following form: RCIA Sponsor Form.
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