RCIA - Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long is the process of RCIA?
A: There is no set length of time for RCIA simply because we do not want to impose a timeframe to build your relationship with the Church and God.  As a rule of thumb, however, those who are not baptized are asked to stay in the process one year plus an Easter.  For those that are baptized Christians the time frame is about one year.  Your circumstances may affect this timeframe greatly, however.  Each step along your journey must be out of a heart-felt desire to continue the process.  Also your personal circumstances such as your marital status, and ability to accept the teachings of the Church can play a factor in how long the process takes for you.

Q: Does RCIA run year-round?
A:  At St. Joseph we run a year-round process.  For those coming into RCIA this means you can start now.  Many other parishes run what is known as a school year program.  Typically the process starts in September and ends after Easter.  The Church encourages those parishes that can, to have a year-round schedule.  Since our RCIA is a year-round process, we meet every week with the exception of holidays and our summer schedule is set to meet every-other-week to allow for vacations and time off. 

Q: Is RCIA only for adults?
A: At St. Joseph we also have a teen process.  The Teen process is for young adults starting at age 14 to 18 years old. Although the teens attend RCIA along side their adult conterparts, their classes and dismissals are done with Teen catechists (teachers) usually in seperate rooms.  This is done so that we can present information for their level of understanding.  It should also be noted that we ask teens to stay in the RCIA process at least 2 years.

Q: What's the difference in the process for those who are baptized versus those who are not?
A: Except for some of the rites being slightly different, and our expectation that those who are not baptized take longer to build their relationship with the Church and God, there is little difference.  Those who are baptized are called Candidates and those who are not Baptized are called catechumens.  Also, the rite of initiation for those who are not baptized (catechumens) includes a baptism.  Those who are baptised will experience their first sacrement of reconcilliation just before the rite of initiation.

Q: If I was baptized by the Catholic Church and have not recieved any other sacrements, is RCIA for me?
A: Yes.  It is our expectation that those teens and adults who have only recieved the sacrement of baptism have not been fully catechized (taught and raised up) in the Catholic faith, it makes sense that the RCIA process fits well with those individuals.  As a baptized Catholic you would be brought into RCIA as a candidate.