Q: At this time, I do not intend to join the Church but I do want to learn more about Catholicism. Is there a place for me in the RCIA process?
 A: Yes! We all learn from one another and from our journey enter into a deeper relationship with Christ. Please join us for the next Catholic Inquiry Session and we can discuss what path may be best for your continued journey.
Q: I know that I want to join the Catholic Church. Where do I begin?
A: This depends on you and where you are on your faith journey. If you are fairly new to Catholicism or have limited experience with the Christian faith, you may still find it helpful to continue to explore Catholicism for a time before moving into the Catechumenate gathering. Each person is unique and the RCIA Team will assist you in traveling the RCIA journey here at St. Patrick so that your trip with us is fruitful and fulfilling.
Q: I am not baptized and am getting married to a Catholic. I wanted to join the Church before our wedding. Is that possible?
A: Remember, the goal is not baptism or even joining the Church. The goal is learning and living within the context of the faith community, which allows us to fully live out the Gospel of Jesus Christ as celebrated in the Catholic Church. If your wedding is not yet scheduled, you are invited to talk over this timetable with a member of the RCIA Team or a Priest/Deacon. If your wedding is already scheduled within the next 12 months, you will most likely be invited to put the time and energy needed into preparing for and beginning your marriage. This is also a very important and wonderful part of your faith journey! Having said this, you may simultaneously be attending the Catechumenate sessions, preparing to join the Church, and preparing to marry; but be careful and not diminish either of these precious sacramental experiences.
Q: I was baptized, but not as a Catholic. I wish to join the Catholic Church. Am I still looking at 12+ months of preparation?
A: That depends on a variety of things. If you come to the Catholic faith community with a full experience of living the Christian life within the context of your previous faith community, you may be invited to study and understand the differences between your faith community and Catholicism as well as obtain a clear understanding of the Catholic Sacraments. This may be sufficient preparation which builds upon your previous adult faith formation. On the other hand, if you come to join the Catholic Church with limited faith experience or knowledge, you will be better served with a fuller and more extensive experience within the RCIA process. The journey IS the way to faith! Your individual journey is the highest priority and just like any other relationship, our relationship with our God takes energy, intention, and time.
Q: I was baptized as a Catholic but never received my first Eucharist nor been confirmed. Where do I fit in?
A: You would be invited into the weekly Catechumenate sessions and to prepare to complete your initiation into the Catholic faith community. You would be encouraged to journey in the Catechumenate for a full liturgical year.
 
Q: I am divorced. Is this an issue as far as the RCIA process is concerned?
A:   Each situation is unique but these are important issues to understand and sort out. You are encouraged to talk with an RCIA Team member, a deacon, or a priest about your particular situation when you first inquire into the RCIA process.
 
Q: I understand that I need a sponsor?
A:   Jesus taught his disciples the importance of community. It is meaningful that we walk this faith journey with companions. If you decide to join the Church or if you are a Catholic who wishes to complete your initiation, you will need a sponsor from the Catholic faith community. We can help you make that selection. A sponsor is a fully initiated Catholic who will serve as a companion, listener, and mentor. The sponsor will also help you to learn more about the parish and ways to live out the Catholic faith. If you already have someone in mind that is not from St. Patrick, a co-sponsor may be assigned from the parish. Those in the Inquiry gathering may also request a sponsor to assist in their journey at St. Patrick even though they have not decided to join the Catholic Church. Baptismal candidates will have an opportunity to choose a Godparent(s) as baptism approaches.
 
Q: Is there any cost associated with RCIA?

A:   No!

Please contact the Parish Office for more information at (813) 839-5337.