Becoming a Catholic

About The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the process by which adults of other faith traditions, or of no faith tradition at all, come to join the Catholic church. People interested in RCIA attend a series of sessions, usually beginning in the fall, where they learn Catholic doctrine and become familiar with Catholic tradition. They learn how to view the world through a Catholic lens.

We use the four pillars of the RCIA:  teaching of doctrine, witness to the faith, participation in the OLPH community and participation in liturgy in order to make our journey together. Participants are expected to attend Sunday mass and weekly sessions involving reflection on the weekly lectionary readings, prayer, sharing, and Catholic teachings. These sessions have most recently been held on Sunday mornings after mass.

The Rites of Christian Initiation occur during Lent and participants are received into the church at the Easter Vigil, in the spring. There is no charge to participate in RCIA.

RCIA is open to anyone interested in becoming Catholic, including those who have never been baptized, baptized Catholics who have never received the Eucharist, and those who have been baptized in other Christian traditions and now wish to find out more about Catholicism. Please note: adult Catholics who receive the Eucharist but have never been confirmed are invited to learn more about the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Adult Confirmation program.