Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)

If you would like to consider joining the RCIA process, join us for our next Inquiry Night.

If you have other questions, please call the parish office (731.668.2596), to schedule an initial conversation.

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is the normal process by which any non-Catholic person comes into full communion with the Catholic Church.  It is a process that is designed to facilitate transformation in people’s minds & hearts.

We recognize that the Lord is guiding people from many different states in life and many different faith traditions or religions.  No matter the starting point, God wants to bring these people “home” to the Catholic Church.  The St. Mary’s community is blessed to be a part of that process and God’s work!

A person can begin RCIA AT ANY TIME, no matter the season.  The first step is to contact the process director and set up an appointment time.  That meeting is to discuss and discover how our R.C.I.A. team can help you best.  Contact the Parish Office as soon as possible: 731.668.2596 .

During the ministry (school) year, we hold weekly RCIA gatherings on Tuesdays at 7:00pm.  At each gathering, the inquirers and the team pray together, have fellowship, discuss topics, listen to a teaching on some aspect of Catholic doctrine and/or lifestyle, and hear witness stories from parishioners.

The whole RCIA process culminates with the Sacraments of Initiation, usually celebrated at the Easter Vigil Mass in the spring.  The process, however, isn’t over.  Sacraments always signal the beginning of a new life in Christ.  In order to help neophytes (“new lights”) live that new life, we help them get integrated into parish life through discipleship communities.