The following are some common questions about the R.C.I.A. process.

• Why do people become interested in the RCIA and in becoming full members of the Catholic Church?
  Although there are many reasons, some people become interested in the RCIA when they come to milestones in their lives. Some are planning weddings to Catholics & would like to start their marriage with both partners being Catholic. Some, who are already married, find that they would like to be a family who 'prays together." Others have had an experience, such as a medical problem or a prayer encounter which leads them to find out more about their faith. Others are baptized Catholics who may have missed the timetable for confirmation and/or First Communion & who would now like to celebrate those sacraments.
  
  
• What kind of people are part of the RCIA process?
  Any and all people who are interested in or curious about Catholicism can come to the RCIA sessions. Those who wih to be fully initiated into the Catholic Church may choose to do so after inquiriy and discernment.
  
  
• What are the religious backgrounds of those who become part of the RCIA?
  Some have never been baptized. Some have been batized in Christian faith traditions that are not Catholic. Some were baptized Catholic but never celebrated First Communion and/or Confirmation as Catholics.
  
  
• What happens at RCIA?
  There are weekly sessions for participants. The format includes prayer, sharing, background on Catholic tradition & teachings. In addition to the weekly sessions, there are prayer experiences for some of the participatints which take place at Sunday mass.
  The RCIA process is coordinated by a team of parishioners. Quite often handouts are distributed, videos are shown, reference material is recommended or guest speakers lead the sessions. Thre are no tests nor is attendance taken.
  
  
• What if I am not sure I want to become Catholic?
  For any decision in life, it is best to be informed about the choices available. What better way than to be part of a group discussing Catholicism? There is never any pressure to join the Catholic Church at RCIA. All sessions are confidential.
  
  
• I was already baptized in a non Catholic church: do I have to be rebaptized?
  As long as the baptism was performed using water & in the name of the Father, Son & Holy Spirit, it is usually considered a valid baptism. Those already baptized in a non Catholic background would make a profession of faith, be confirmed & receive First Communion as catholics in order to be fully initiated.