Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

The RCIA Journey:
Are you interested in how Catholics follow Christ?

Are you or someone you know interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith?

Are you a member of another Christian faith who is seeking to join the Catholic Church?

Are you a baptized Catholic who never received any religious instruction and have not received First Communion or been confirmed?

Do you have younger children who you would want to be fully initiated into the Church?

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the process of study, exploration, and faith formation for you. It is usually referred to by its initials: RCIA.

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a process of initiation into the Catholic Community of Faith. It is a process which enables the study of the Gospels, Catholic teaching, Christian values, and the development and deepening of a life of prayer and action with the support and involvement of the parish community.

Some Common Questions

Must I make a commitment to Catholicism to participate in this program?

No! We realize that many people are searching and need to know more about the Church before they make such a commitment. We also realize that Catholicism is not for everyone.

I was baptized a Methodist, Baptist, etc. Must I be re-baptized in order to join the Catholic Church?

No! There is only one Baptism. In most cases, candidates seeking full communion within the Catholic Church will not be baptized again. They will simply make a Profession of Faith and receive the Sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation.

How do I get started?

In the diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, most of our 49 parishes have a coordinator who organizes a group of seekers and inquirers each year to make this journey in faith together.
We can give you a person to contact and telephone number of the parish convenient to you. Call Stephanie McNeill, associate director of Christian Formation at 850/435-3526 or mcneills@ptdiocese.org.

In the News