What am I looking for?
What is the meaning of my life?
How can I become part of something bigger than myself?
How can I be a better person?
Does God have something to say to me?
How can I know the right path for me?
What can I do about the loneliness I feel?
How can I make a positive difference in this world?
How can I come to know God’s love?

If you are asking these questions, or questions like them, the Catholic way of life may be for you. For over 2,000 years, people have turned to the Catholic Church to enrich their lives. Would you like to know more about how Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church can make a positive difference in your life? Please contact us at 847-358-7760.

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process by which one is initiated — baptized, confirmed and receives the Eucharist — in the Catholic Church.

RCIA Sessions begin in September on Tuesday evenings!

Sign up TODAY!!!

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a process of evangelization when one experiences an encounter with Jesus Christ and makes a conscious choice to explore the Christian faith. When this decision is made, the Rite of Acceptance is celebrated when the inquirer stands in front of the parish community and states that he or she wants to become a baptized member of the Catholic Church. The parish assembly affirms this desire and the inquirer becomes a Catechumen.

The Period of the Catechumenate, a time of reflection and education, varies based on how Catechumens grow in faith, and how God leads them through their journey as they consider God’s message in their own lives. Once the Catechumen and priest or parish team feels the Catechumen is ready, the request for baptism is made, seeking baptism and full initiation at the upcoming Easter vigil. On the first Sunday of Lent, the Catechumens again publicly express their desire for baptism to the diocesan bishop at the Rite of Election.

The days of Lent make up the final period leading to the Easter Vigil. Lent is a period of preparation marked by prayer and spiritual direction for the Elect, as well as prayers for them by the parish community. Finally, the Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation takes place during the Easter Vigil Liturgy on Holy Saturday, when the Elect receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. Now the person is fully initiated into the Catholic Church.

As a newly initiated Catholic, they continue their formation and education in the Period of Mystagogy, or Post Baptismal Catechesis, when the newly baptized reflect on their experiences and continue to learn more about the Scriptures, Sacraments and teachings of the Catholic Church. In addition, they reflect on how they will serve Christ and help in the Church’s mission and outreach activities of the parish.

If you are interested in becoming a Catholic, contact the St. Theresa Parish Office at 847-358-7760.