Church of St Peter Claver, West Hartford CT

Becoming a Catholic

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

The RCIA or Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the Church's process of journeying with adults who are inquiring about the Catholic faith. The RCIA helps adults to grow in their relationship with God, become familiar with Catholic practices and teachings, become acquainted with people in the parish, and get involved with service to the community.

When individuals begin to inquire they are invited to join a small group who will help them to discern how they are called by God to conversion of mind and heart. This group will journey together as the inquirers are prepared for full and active life in the church as disciples of Jesus.

This process is for non-Catholics who wish to receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. However, many who wish to join the Catholic Church have already been baptized in another Christian Church. They will participate in the RCIA process but will not be re-baptized.

Typically, the process begins in September and runs through the Easter Season with registration in the summer months (see weekly bulletin for announcements). However at any time during the year, if an individual is inquiring, arrangements can be made to begin the journey.