Sacraments for Adults

Are you a Baptized Catholic and wish to complete the sacraments of Initiation by receiving First Eucharist and/or Confirmation? Then our Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) program is for you! It's an opportunity to grow in your relationship with God and learn more about the faith before receiving these Sacraments.

The goal of the process is full, conscious, and active participation in an exciting life with Jesus Christ within His Catholic Church.

A Four-Step Process in Your Journey

Step 1: Period Of Inquiry

• Unique to each individual

• Time for asking questions

• Time to intensely examine one's personal relationship with God

• Ends when inquirers become firm in their desire for initiation
  and for the study of Catholic teachings and practices

Step 2: Period of Catechumenate

• Begins with the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens or,
  for those who are already baptized, the Rite of Welcoming

• Time of learning the teachings of the Church and beginning
  to accept Catholic teachings and practices

• Sponsors accompany catechumens and candidates on their journey

• Length of Catechumenate period can vary from person to person

• Ends when the catechumens discern that God is calling them to receive
  the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, First Eucharist, Confirmation)

• Ends when the candidates discern that God is calling them to make
  profession of faith in the Catholic Church

Step 3: Period of Purification and Enlightenment

• Begins with Rite of Election

• Catechumens are now called the Elect

• Time of intense preparation during Lent to celebrate the Resurrection
  of Jesus at Easter and to receive the Sacraments of Initiation

Step 4: Period of Mystagogia

• Begins with the reception of the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation,
  and First Eucharist during the Easter Season

• Time of reflection on the commitment made to the Lord,
  the Church, and the faith community

• Time of finding a place in the community and getting involved

So, are YOU ready for the journey?

If so, then please contact Varma Childs at 716-372-0689.

Instruction sessions are held weekly on Sunday (during the fall/winter/spring season)
after the 9:00 a.m. Mass (about 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.).