The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults  

“In the sacraments of Christian Initiation we are freed from the power of darkness and joined by Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.  We receive the spirit of filial adoption and are part of the entire people of God in the celebration of the memorial of the Lord’s death and resurrection”

The RCIA is a journey to seek the living God, to seek faith and conversion through the power of the Holy Spirit.  At the conclusion of this process, a person will receive the sacraments of Baptism (if needed), Eucharist (if needed), and Confirmation.

Who May Participate?

The process is open to any adult who has either never been baptized in a Christian faith, an adult baptized in another faith or a Catholic adult who has not completed the sacraments of initiation.

How Do I Get Started?

You may call the parish Administration center at 847-524-4429 and ask for Mary Kramer, Minister of Christian Formation, who will clarify any questions you may have or email Mary Kramer.

Why Should I Participate?

There is nothing greater to be gained than to know the peace and love of God because of your faith and growing awareness of how the Catholic Church is a way of life.

How Long Does it Take to go Through the Process?

“It takes as long as it takes,” to go through a personal conversion and be ready to become an active member of the Catholic Church.  On an average, the process encompasses a period of about a year.  Sometimes, for those who have never been baptized, or because of personal matters, a longer period of time is needed to complete the process but all are discerned to be ready for initiation on a personal basis.

What Are My Responsibilities if I Decide to Join?

You will be expected to attend sessions regularly and participate in discussions based on Scripture and Catholic beliefs

The Process is divided into Four Phases

The INQUIRY phase meets one evening a week for about ten weeks.

The CATECHUMENATE phase meets on Sunday morning starting with attendance at the 9:00 a.m. mass and is then followed by discussion based on Scripture and pertinent Catholic doctrine, ritual and practice.

About six weeks prior to the reception of the sacraments you will enter the PURIFICATION AND ENLIGHTENMENT phase which also starts with the 9:00 a.m. mass on Sunday mornings.  These sessions continue with study focused on self-examination and preparedness for reception of the sacraments.

After reception of the sacraments you will enter the final formal stage—MYSTAGOGY.  During this phase you will discuss the new experience of being part of the Catholic Community and your own personal growth achieved through the process.  It is then our hope that you will continue to be a fully active member of the Catholic Church.   

What are the Responsibilities of the Parish?

The RCIA team will provide a leader to facilitate the discussions at the week night or Sunday morning sessions.  Any member of the team may choose to sit in on sessions as a participant.  This gives the team a better chance to know the candidates/catechumen better.  The RCIA will provide a sponsor from the parish to “walk” with you through the RCIA journey.  If you, as a candidate/catechumen, would like a family member or friend to attend the sessions with you on a regular basis, please invite that person to do so.  The parish as a whole will be asked to keep you in their prayers on a regular basis.