Interested in learning about the Catholic Church? Whether you are a non-Catholic who has questions or an adult Catholic seeking First Holy Communion and Confirmation, RCIA can help you find what you’re looking for.

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process of discernment and learning for those individuals who wish to become Catholic. This involves catechetical preparation for receiving the sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist. However, RCIA is not just for those adults wishing to become Catholic; it also provides an opportunity for adult catechesis to anyone who is interested in a deeper relationship with God, Jesus, and the Catholic Church.

To start: call [337.232.8742] or email [juan@ourladyofwisdom.org] Juan Pagán to make an appointment.

Please Note: You do not need to have decided to become Catholic to begin the Inquiry classes (Step One of RCIA).

Step One: Meet with an RCIA team member who will help you get started. When you begin the process, there is no obligation on your part. The first meetings are called inquiry and they are a chance for you to ask questions, receive the good news of Catholic Christian life, and open the way for spiritual growth.

Step Two: At the Rite of Acceptance, those who are ready may enter into a deeper relationship with the Church and begin their formal preparation for the Sacraments of Initiation within the Catechumenate.

In the days leading up to the celebration of Easter, the members of the Catechumenate enter into a period of intense preparation. Those who will be received into the Church are immersed in the Church’s prayers and love to prepare for fruitful reception of the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion.

RCIA and the Early Church

In the early Church, as with the Church today, there was a need to catechize those pagans wishing to join the Church. When someone wished to join the Church, they became catechumens. They were instructed in the faith through a process of conversion and thorough catechesis. During the Second Vatican Council, the Church called for the restoration and use of this venerable and powerful method of initiation.

RCIA is a Process

Today, the process of RCIA is happening throughout the entire world. The process facilitates catechesis and formation through distinct stages over a period of time. This process cultivates a significant experience of parish community and commitment to the liturgical and moral life of the Catholic faithful. It is a process that is centered around fostering a deep relationship with Jesus and the Church He founded.

RCIA at Our Lady of Wisdom

Here at Our Lady of Wisdom, RCIA is a year-round process that allows candidates the time they need for their conversion and discernment.

Candidates attend weekly sessions every Thursday night from 6:30p until 8p and regularly meet with a mentor or sponsor. They also attend several rites that mark each of the stages of the process. Other events in the process include a retreat and a number of service opportunities. Candidates are also encouraged to participate in a variety of parish events, especially weekly attendance at mass on Sundays. Anyone interested in joining RCIA should contact the RCIA coordinator, Juan Carlos Pagán, for an initial meeting. To find out how you can serve the needs of RCIA as a volunteer or contributor, visit our Get Involved page.