Frequently Asked Questions about RCIA
Answers To Your Questions About R.C.I.A.
Each year men and women embark on an exploration of the Catholic faith. Some are deciding if they are called into the Catholic Church, others have been Catholic all their lives and are now interested in discovering what this really means. Together we witness to the fact that our search for God is a lifelong journey, a journey on which we make the most progress when we walk it with others.
What is R.C.I.A.?
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, or R.C.I.A., is a process of faith formation that presents an adult exploration of the Catholic faith. R.C.I.A. is a chance for people to learn the basics of what it means to be Catholic, to ask their burning questions, and to seek ways to more fully open their lives to Jesus Christ. R.C.I.A. is primarily for adults considering becoming Catholic and for Catholics who were never Confirmed. R.C.I.A. prepares women and men to make a conscious choice whether or not they want receive the sacraments of initiation offered by the Catholic Church (Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation). At Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church we also offer opportunities for others join in this process. We do this in recognition that faith is a lifelong journey, and that many people who have been Catholic their entire lives are now ready to ask new questions as adults.
What is the time commitment for R.C.I.A.?
The R.C.I.A. process at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church is open-ended, and each group member progresses at their own pace. Inquirers are accepted at any time throughout the year, and full initiation into the Catholic Church occurs when each person is ready to accept the responsibilities of being a Catholic. The group assembles for weekend liturgy with the Parish Community, is dismissed after the homily and gathers together to reflect upon and learn from what our liturgy teaches. This is the primary time commitment for R.C.I.A. members. In addition, there may be other commitments depending on what part of the process you’re going through. We recognize that many people have work and family schedules that won’t allow them to be at every meeting. That said, it’s best if you can be at most gatherings because faith formation builds upon the liturgical cycle. If you have to miss a session, we’ll provide ways for you to catch up on what you have missed.
What if I’m not sure I want to become Catholic, or be confirmed?
Not a problem! In fact, we’re assuming that this is the case. Our R.C.I.A. is structured in a way that invites you to make smaller commitments until you’re sure you want to proceed. The initial meetings are designed to answer some basic questions, and give you a feel for what the journey will be like. After the first few gatherings, we’ll explore the core Christian message while beginning to answer your most burning questions. When you are ready, we invite you to decide where you’d like this process to take you.
If I’m already a baptized Catholic, but have not received Confirmation, what can I do?
Confirmation is supposed to be the time when we chose the Catholic faith for ourselves at the “age of reason,” but many of us realize that we weren’t really aware enough to say “yes.” Often, we don’t really engage in our spiritual journey until much later in life. It’s not uncommon for us to realize as adults that we want to know more about our faith, and to wrestling with some of the more difficult questions we have.
Is there any cost associated with R.C.I.A.?
None, whatsoever.
I still have questions. Who can I talk to?
Just contact Deacon Robert Tyson ((843) 249-2356) or e-mail him at deacbob33@yahoo.com.
Where do I sign up?
If you would like more information about the R.C.I.A. process at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, please complete our registration form available here, at the Church or at the Parish Center, and we will begin the process.