Adults who feel called to continue their faith journey to full initiation in the Roman Catholic Church are encouraged to enter the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).  As a close-knit group of candidates and sponsors, this group journeys together in faith and celebrates the Sacraments in the Easter Season- the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist

Through Baptism the catechumens become Christians, being formed into People of God, adopted children of the Father, with their sins forgiven.  Through Confirmation they become more perfectly the image of the Lord, since they are signed with the gifts of the Spirit, actually filled with the Spirit that allows them to give witness to their faith.  Then they share in Christ's sacrifice by receiving the Eucharist at the table of the Lord, expressing the unity of the People of God.  Through these three Sacraments, the recipients achieve Christian maturity, enabling them to fulfill their mission in the Church and the world.

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is looked upon as a spiritual journey for the adults.  Three major stages occur:

• Those involved learn of the Church, indicate an interest and a desire to become Catholic, and are eventually accepted as catechumens.
• During the cathechumenate their faith grows while they are more fully instructed and receive various rites connected with catechesis.  The completion of this state is the day of the Rite of Election when they are presented to the Bishop.
• Thereupon, their spiritual preparation being satisfactory, these people are presented to the pastor and receive the three above mentioned sacraments.

Children, ages seven and up, are also a part an adapted Rite of Christian Initiation. 

For more information, we invite you to contact

• Pastoral Associate - Michael Ruzicki
  410-792-7982, ext. 12  or  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Helpful Resources:

• Form for RCIA Inquirers