Becoming Catholic Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
- We believe that human beings were created by God in love and that everything God creates is good and created out of love. While we have the capacity for sin, the Church believes in the dignity of the human person above all else.
- We also believe that goodness infuses all of God’s wondrous creation. All creation, made by God, reflects that goodness. Catholics see the world and its beauty, renewed by the Incarnation, as sacramental – speaking of God’s goodness and love.
- We believe in stewardship. Everything is given to us by God and our Catholic responsibility is to share our time, talent and treasure with those around us.
- We believe in the Holy Trinity, that God has revealed himself to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit – a communion of knowledge and love – has created us to share in that life.
- We believe in community and a living Church – believers are a part of the living Body of Christ and, as such, we are a reflection of the communal nature of the Trinity.
- We believe that God loved his creation so much that he became human in the person of Jesus to walk among us.
- We believe in the communion of the saints – models of faith who help us and guide us in our daily lives.
- We believe in Jesus’ crucifixion, death and resurrection, and we hope that one day we will rise to new life with him.
RCIA Mission at St. Helen of the Cross:
The Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA) Apostolate of St. Helen of the Cross Roman Catholic Parish exists to support the Catholic Church's belief that "All men and women of whatever race, condition or age, in virtue of their dignity as human persons, have an inalienable right to education." (Declaration on Christian Education, 1965) The RCIA Apostolate focuses on proclaiming the mystery of Christ and His salvation to interested adults in a manner that appreciates the dignity of ever human person while at the same time fulfilling the requirement to preach Christ's truth without alteration or diminishment. The RCIA Apostolate provides an orderly and systematic initiation into the revelation that God has given of Himself to humanity through Jesus Christ with the intent that it led each participant to a living, explicit and fruitful profession of faith.
RCIA Vision:
To give life and action to Jesus' statement that “This is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ” (John 17:3): To give life and action to Jesus' statement that “This is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ” (John 17:3)
RCIA Process:
RCIA includes several stages marked by study, prayer and rites at Mass. Participants undergo a process of conversion as they study the Gospel, profess faith in Jesus and the Catholic Church, and receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. While intended for persons who have never been baptized or those baptized in a different faith tradition who wish to become Catholic, RCIA at St. Helen's also accepts baptized Catholic who need First Eucharist and/or Confirmation. Even those who have received all their sacraments but simply which to learn more about the faith are welcome to attend.
RCIA English:
NOTE: A registration fee of $35.00 is required, but payments may be made over several weeks. Register, and you will be contacted by the coordinator. RCIA is for those wanting to explore becoming Catholic, for Catholics who need sacraments, and for anyone just wanting to understand the faith better.
If you are interested in receiving more information about RCIA in English, contact the parish office.
REGISTER TODAY by filling in the information below or you can download the PDF, print, fill it out, and drop it off inside of the office.
CLICK HERE >>> Registration form
RCIA classes will begin on September 4th, 2021 at 10:30 am every Saturday
For RCIA in Spanish, please contact the parish office.
