FAQ
Each year men and women embark on an exploration of the Catholic faith. Some are deciding if they are called into the Catholic Church, others have been Catholic all their lives and are now interested in discovering what this really means. Together we witness to the fact that our search for God is a lifelong journey, a journey on which we make the most progress when we walk it with others.
Answers To Your Questions About R.C.I.A.
What is R.C.I.A.?
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, or R.C.I.A., is a process of faith formation that presents an adult exploration of the Catholic faith. R.C.I.A. is a chance for people to learn the basics of what it means to be Catholic, to ask their burning questions, and to seek ways to more fully open their lives to Jesus Christ. R.C.I.A. is primarily for adults considering becoming Catholic and for Catholics who were never Confirmed. R.C.I.A. prepares women and men to make a conscious choice whether or not they want to receive the sacraments of initiation offered by the Catholic Church (Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation). At St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church we also offer opportunities for others join in this process. We do this in recognition that faith is a lifelong journey, and that many people who have been Catholic their entire lives are now ready to ask new questions as adults.
What is the time commitment for R.C.I.A.?
The R.C.I.A. process at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church begins in the fall of the year and full initiation into the Catholic Church occurs the following Easter, or when each person is ready to accept the responsibilities of being a Catholic. This is the primary time commitment for R.C.I.A. members. We recognize that many people have work and family schedules that won’t allow them to be at every meeting. That said, it’s best if you can be at most gatherings because faith formation builds over time. If you have to miss a session, we’ll provide ways for you to catch up on what you have missed.
What if I’m not sure I want to become Catholic or be confirmed?
Not a problem! In fact, we’re assuming that this is the case. Our R.C.I.A. is structured in a way that invites you to make smaller commitments until you’re sure you want to proceed. The initial meetings are designed to answer some basic questions, and give you a feel for what the journey will be like. After the first few gatherings, we’ll explore the core Christian message while beginning to answer your most burning questions. We will also discuss the basic teachings of the Catholic Church and our Seven Sacraments. When you are ready, we invite you to decide where you’d like this process to take you.
If I’m already a baptized Catholic, but have not received First Eucharist and/or Confirmation, what can I do?
By participating in R.C.I.A. you may decide you want to receive both at the Easter celebration. Confirmation is supposed to be the time when we choose the Catholic faith for ourselves at the “age of reason,” but many of us realize that we weren’t really aware enough to say “yes.” Often, we don’t really engage in our spiritual journey until much later in life. It’s not uncommon for us to realize as adults that we want to know more about our faith, and to wrestle with some of the more difficult questions we have.
Is there any cost associated with R.C.I.A.?
None whatsoever.
I still have questions. Who can I talk to?
Just contact Fr. Nate Meyers (763-489-9223) or e-mail him at nate.meyers@stfxb.org.
Where do I sign up?
If you would like more information about the R.C.I.A. process at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, please complete the form available on the web (click here), or at the Parish Center… and we will begin the process.
Interest Form