Purpose:

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a process where non-catholic adults learn about the teachings of the Catholic Church. Practicing Catholics become companions to non-catholics as they journey toward the Easter sacraments.

Mission:
The RCIA process has its roots in the early Christian Church. Its purpose is to aid adults in discerning and learning about Christianity through the Catholic faith, and if desired, to become members of the Roman Catholic Church.

Opportunities:
To be a part of a ministry that helps individuals explore and understand the Catholic faith that may lead to their choosing to enter the fullness of the Catholic Church through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Holy Eucharist. This ministry needs faithful Catholics who would like to serve as Team Members, Sponsors, or Catechists.

Team Member - Be a part of the group of men and women who, simply put, make the RCIA program happen.
- Plan and carry out the RICA sessions
- Share your talents as well as your faith
- Model the Catholic community
- Meet with candidates and inquirers routinely to support them, encourage them and to be available to discuss their progress

Sponsor - Accompany the candidate seeking admission to the Church and stand as a witness to their moral character, faith, and intention by:
- Listening to them
- Remaining in regular contact with them
- Encouraging and affirming their growth in faith
- Sharing your faith experiences
- Praying with them about personal needs and concerns
- Keeping the Director informed about concerns of the candidates and inquirers

Catechist - Teach a class on a Catholic topic in conformity with Church doctrine. Basic source material will be provided; however, the catechist will prepare the lesson that is presented.

Training:
Sponsor training takes place after the program begins with follow up training done on a quarterly basis.

Commitment:
RCIA meets each Wednesday from 6:45 until 9:00 pm in Jordan Hall from the start of the school year until 4 weeks after Easter. In addition there are two retreats and three liturgical rites, including the sacraments of initiation celebrated at the Easter Vigil.

RCIA Ministry Activities

Various activities, especially those stressing Catholic stewardship values, involving participation with other ministries.

Schedule

A schedule of activities has been posted to this page as well as in the schedule of this website at: http://stjeromewaco.org/documents.php


RCIA Ministry Contacts:

Deacon Rae Carter at 254-776-7624 or raefordcarter@gmail.com

Steve Smith at (254) 420-1820 or srsmith@grandecom.net

Ronnie Fanning at (254) 749-3665 or rofan721@aol.com