Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)

CONTACT: Deacon Luke Hally ♦ (908) 766-0888, ext. 5, ♦ hally1@optonline.net.

The RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is the means by which non-baptized adults and baptized non-Catholics enter into the Catholic Church. As many as half a million people, in the United States alone, are converted each year to the Catholic faith through the RCIA program. 
 
Participants undergo a process of conversion as they study the Gospel, share traditions, customs and practices, and explore prayer. In addition to the candidates, the program also involves catechists, who serve as instructors, and sponsors. Each participant has a sponsor who is either personally chosen or assigned him or her, as a guide through the RCIA process. Catechists, who have been trained by the Diocese of Metuchen, assist and support the candidates throughout the process. Training for catechists and sponsors is available in the parish and also through the Diocese of Metuchen. Baptism and /or Confirmation of candidates are administered during the Easter Vigil Liturgy on Holy Saturday

The RCIA group at the Church of Saint James attends the 10:30 am Mass each Sunday, and is dismissed after the homily to meet in the Pastoral Center to share Scripture and catechesis on the tenets of the Catholic faith, prayers and reflection, plus theological insight that allows for the continual discernment of God’s will in the lives of the candidates.

The Saint James RCIA program has been highly successful for 19 years. Each September a new group of 5-12 candidates undertakes the process.  As they begin to learn Catholic doctrine, they also begin to get to know the parish community. Candidates improve their relationships with God.  They acknowledge their faith in Jesus and the Catholic Church, receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and the Holy Eucharist, and fully enter into the Church at the Easter Vigil Mass on Holy Saturday. Weekly meetings continue until June, as the new members reflect on their conversion experiences and continue to learn more about the Scripture, sacraments and the teachings of the Catholic Church. 

The RCIA involves the whole parish: in prayer, as the rites are celebrated; in hospitality, as new members are welcomed; and in specific ministries, such as sponsorship or catechesis.

It is not ourselves that we are proclaiming, but Christ Jesus as the Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake.  — 2 Corinthians 4: 5