Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

Michelangelo's famous painting "The Conversion of St. Paul" captures a moment of blinding revelation along the road to Damascus. Saul was transformed from a persecutor of early Christians into Christianity's most effective apostle to the Greek and Roman world.

Our own journeys of faith can lead along straight paths, but they are just as likely to take us over rocky roads with some rather dramatic twists and turns. Some of us have been gifted by our families with a strong faith nourished in tradition and community. Others will discover Christ in the most unexpected places, at unexpected times and in the most unlikely people. Our lives progress along different roads from childhood to old age. Along that journey, our experience of God is shaped by our experience of life. If we are open to God's whispered summons, we will find ourselves drawn ever closer to His love.

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is our parish community's welcoming outreach to anyone whose faith journey has led them to investigate the beliefs of the Catholic Church, and we welcome anyone who might wish to join us in worship and communion. The RCIA provides no-obligation meetings with a member of our inquiry team during which an inquirer may reflect on this spiritual journey and how God is calling them.  For those who choose to continue, the RCIA offers a structure for developing a deeper faith and a confident understanding of Catholic beliefs. 

The RCIA  is designed for

• Non-baptized adults seeking membership in the Christian community

• Adults baptized in other Christian communities who seek full communion with the Roman Catholic Church

• Adults baptized as Catholics, but never catechized or never confirmed.

A modified RCIA process is  available for children above the age of six who have not yet been baptized and whose parents, grandparents, or other family members will be there to support them in their journey of faith. 

Please contact Sheryl Zabel at 585-388-0040 x1330 or at Sheryl.Zabel@dor.org for further information.