Registration and Volunteers, Contact:
Deacon Mark Schneider
E-mail: schneiderm@clergy.ptdiocese.org
Phone: 850-508-3714
Want to Register for RCIA or ask Questions? Feel free to use the Contact Form.
What is the RCIA?
RCIA stands for Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. It refers to the process by which the Catholic Church brings adults into full communion with the Church through the preparation for and reception of the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation.
These three sacraments "lay the foundation of every Christian life... The faithful are born anew by Baptism, strengthened by the sacrament of Confirmation, and receive in the Eucharist the food of eternal life." (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1212)
Can you tell me more about the RCIA process?
The RCIA process is a journey that takes place within the Catholic community. We, the Church, will help and guide you through this process which is marked by four distinct periods:
1. Inquiry (PreCatechumenate) -- This is the period where you inquire into specifics about the Catholic Church, its practices and its traditions. Once you reach the point of initial conversion you will be accepted by the Church as a “catechumen” in the Rite of Acceptance or as a “candidate” in the Rite of Welcoming. You will also be able to participate in the weekly Rite of Dismissal.
REQUIRED TEXT - For the 2007-2008 cycle of RCIA, Good Shepherd has selected the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults as our primary text. The book was published in July 2006 by the USCCB (US Conference of Catholic Bishops), but can be ordered online from most booksellers (such as Amazon.com), and is also available in local bookstores and at Guadalupe Catholic Books and Gifts. We encourage RCIA participants to get your book before the sessions begin in late August (average online price is about $17).
- Catechumen – Someone who is unbaptized.
- Candidate – Someone who is baptized in another Christian faith OR a baptized and uncatechized Catholic who has not received Eucharist or Confirmation.
- Rite of Dismissal – After the Liturgy of the Word at weekly masses, Catechumens and Candidates are invited to the Chapel to reflect more deeply upon the scriptures of the day.
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