Immaculate Conception Parish
Contact:  Kathryn Gallagher, Pastoral Assistant for Faith Formation

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA): 

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process by which previously un-Baptized adults are brought into full communion with the Catholic Church through the reception of the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist usually celebrated at the Easter Vigil. The RCIA process involves participation in the worship, service, and community life of the parish.   The Inquiry group meets on Sunday mornings following the 9:00AM Mass for prayer, discussion, and instruction. The Catechumenate occurs on Sunday morning following the Liturgy of the Word.  Periodic rites are celebrated with the parish community to mark successive faith steps toward full initiation at Easter.

RCIA adapted for children and teens:

This is an exciting program geared to those above the age of 7 who wish to receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil.  This program is patterned after the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults and is adapted for the needs of children and their families. Children and teens meet weekly on Sunday morning from 10:30 -11:30AM. 

RCIA adapted for Baptized Christians: 

This adaptation of the basic RCIA process is geared to those adults who have been baptized in another Christian community/church and who seek to celebrate full communion in the Roman Catholic Church. The actual time frame for the period of formation leading to a profession of faith and reception of the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist depends on each candidate’s individual need and prior faith experience.  Instructional sessions accommodate each individual’s situation  and normally occur after the 9:00AM Mass on Sunday mornings.

*Baptismal Godparents must be 16 years of age or older.  At least one sponsor must be Catholic, and have received the sacrament of Confirmation.  If the Catholic sponsor does not belong to Immaculate Conception Parish, a letter is needed from his/her parish stating that he/she is an active and practicing Catholic.

**Confirmation Sponsors are ideally the candidate’s Godparent.  A sponsor must be at least 16 years of age and a fully initiated and practicing Catholic.  The sponsor must be available to meet frequently with the confirmation candidate during the proximate preparation period.