Saint Thomas à Becket Roman Catholic Church

Adults

Rite of Christian Initiation

Children

Those who have not been baptized and who feel a call to explore the Good News of Jesus Christ, are invited to participate in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).

Welcome!

Adults who have been baptized and would like to complete their Christian Initiation by preparing for and receiving the sacraments of Confirmation and First Communion are also invited to participate in RCIA.

Our Director of Adult Faith Formation (RCIA)

Maureen Roan

The RCIA is the process within the Catholic Church through which
new adult members are welcomed and received into full communion.
In general, the RCIA applies to the following three groups of people:

1. Any person who has reached the age of reason (age 7 and above) who has not been baptized. (Catechumens)

2. Any person previously baptized in another Christian denomination and who now desires to live their Christian way of life as a Catholic. (Candidates)

3. Any person who has been baptized catholic but who has not received any other sacrament. (Candidates)

Individuals who are not baptized are called "catechumens".
Individuals who were previously baptized are called "candidates".

1. The catechumens (the unbaptized) who journey through the RCIA are fully initiated at the Easter Vigil through the reception of the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist (the Sacraments of Initiation.)

2. The candidates who have been baptized in another Christian denomination are received into full communion with the Catholic Church by making a profession of faith and by receiving Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. The reception info full communion takes place at the Easter Vigil.

3. The candidates who were previously baptized Catholic complete their initiation at the Easter Vigil by receiving Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. The candidates also prepare for and receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation prior to receiving the Holy Eucharist at the Easter Vigil.

Unbaptized children who have reached the age of reason (generally age 7) also journey through the initiation process adapted to the age of the child. They too will receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist) at the Easter Vigil.

Contact the parish Coordinator of Adult Faith Formation or our Coordinator of Elementary Faith Formation (703-689-3816) for more information.