RIGHT OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (R.C.I.A)

St. Andrew welcomes new members into the Catholic Church through a process of education, faith sharing, and rituals known formerly known as the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA).  The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) describes RCIA as a process in which participants "undergo . . . conversion as they study the Gospel, profess faith in Jesus and the Catholic Church, and receive the sacraments . . . The RCIA process follows the ancient practice of the church and was restored by the Second Vatican Council as the normal way adults prepare for baptism."

WHO IS OCIA FOR?

1. Persons desiring to become Catholic and are in need of Baptism.
2. Persons baptized in another Christian tradition who desire to become Catholic.
3. Persons baptized Catholic in need of First Communion and/or Confirmation.

St. Andrew’s RCIA program begins in the fall and includes a series of weekly meetings, often with members of the parish who are serving as sponsors (mentors for those who have already been baptized) or godparents (for those who have not been baptized).