The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults or RCIA is a ministry dedicated to the faith formation and full initiation of adults from other faith traditions or with no religious background at all into the Roman Catholic faith. In addition, adult Catholics who have not yet received all of their sacraments of initiation may also attend the sessions offered by the RCIA in order to receive the appropriate sacraments to complete their initiation.

The RCIA is for:

• unbaptized,
• baptized Christians who wish to explore entering into the Catholic Church, and
• baptized Catholics who wish to complete their Sacraments of Initiation of Confirmation and first Eucharist. 

The RCIA process focuses on FOUR essential areas:

• fostering a personal relationship with Christ;
• understanding the Holy Scriptures;
• becoming a disciple of Christ;
• and learning and experiencing the richness of the Catholic Church and way of life!

The process consists of:

• Inquiry -  sessions in which we answer your questions,
• Catechetical Instruction - teaching on church sacraments and doctrine,
• Retreats - days of reflection, and the ongoing support and encouragement of sponsors who accompany each candidate on the journey toward full membership in the Catholic Church.
• Prayer - an integral part of the entire process and is emphasized in our sessions during Lent.
• Integration and Support - After the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil, we continue to meet to continue to address your needs and help with integration into the larger church.

You may also visit the Archdiocese of Washington website for additional information.
 

Are you curious about the Catholic faith? Have you considered becoming a Roman
Catholic, but just did not know how? Do you know someone who would like to  
explore the Catholic traditions? Consider joining St. Augustine’s Rite of Christian  
Initiation of Adults (RCIA). RCIA is a Ministry dedicated to faith formation and full initiation of adults into the Roman Catholic Church. We welcome adults with no             religious background or those coming from other faith traditions, and baptized Catholics seeking to receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and/or  Eucharist.
We invite you to participate in this transformative spiritual journey towards 
a rich and fulfilling life in Christ.
 

When We Meet

Join us on Tuesdays from 6:30 - 8:30pm. Virtual and in person Inquiry Sessions will begin in September.
 

Consider Being a Sponsor

An important part of the RCIA experience is introducing seekers to the parish faith community. If you are a baptized Catholic who has received all your Sacraments of Initiation and are practicing your Catholic faith, consider serving as a Sponsor to those who are interested in the Catholic Church. A Sponsor Orientation Workshop will be held Saturday, September 30th at 10:00 am to prepare potential Sponsors.

For additional information about becoming Catholic or serving as a Sponsor, contact the RCIA Team at staugrcia@gmail.com or sign up at a link below.

RCIA Inquiry Sign Up