The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is the process by which both unbaptized adults and those baptized in other faiths become Catholic. It is a spiritual formation process, beginning each year in October, and culminating with entry into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil as the candidate receives the sacraments of initiation: Baptism (if not previously baptized in another Christian denomination), Confirmation, and the Eucharist. RCIA classes are held on Wednesday evenings, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm. The RCIA process is comprised of three phases:

• The Period of Inquiry presents teaching on key topics pertaining to Catholic doctrine, including Salvation and Grace, Mary and the Saints, Prayer and the Rosary, the Liturgy, Church Authority, and Church History.

• The Period of Cathechumenate begins on the First Sunday of Advent, and extends through Ash Wednesday. The teaching focuses on the Sacraments, social justice and morality issues.

• The Period of Purification and Enlightenment, which extends from Ash Wednesday through the Easter Vigil, discusses Lent and puts full emphasis on scrutinizing our faith journey.

• The Period of Mystagogy follows Easter Vigil, and is a time for the new Catholic to find his or her place in the mission of the Church. The focus is on learning how to apply what they have learned about the Catholic Church to their everyday lives.

The first meeting is on the first Wednesday of October at 7:00 pm. To register for this class, or for more information, please contact:

Janice Maniscalco
Religious Education Director
772-463-1579
E-mail: religed@bellsouth.net