Are you feeling drawn to find out more about the Catholic Faith?  Are you married to a Catholic and wish to worship together in one faith? Are you an adult who has never received Communion or Confirmation?

There are many reasons adults seek to find out more about the Catholic Church.  Whatever your questions, know there are many like yourself who desire a closer relationship with Christ and a community in which to thrive and worship to deepen that relationship. The RCIA team can help.

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

We believe that every individual is on a journey, a journey of finding meaning, of finding God and of finding one’s self.  The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a process intended to help individuals journey to a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith and become fully initiated into the Catholic Church.

How long does it take?
Every person has a unique faith journey. Considering where you have been, where you are now, and where you want to be, the RCIA process is designed with four phases, to aid in journeying to full initiation into the Catholic Church. Time spent in each phase is determined by the seeker's readiness to move to the next step and the Church’s liturgical year.

The four phases of Initiation:
Inquiry (Precatechumenate) This is the beginning, questioning phase where seekers can learn about the Catholic faith and get answers to their questions.  St. Pius X periodically offers an 8-week overview of Catholic beliefs and practices so that individuals can make an informed decision whether to continue in the RCIA process to become fully initiated into the Catholic Church.

Catechumenate This phase uses the Sunday Scripture readings to deepen individuals understanding of Jesus, the teachings of the Catholic Church and what that means for our lives today.   Being a Christian is forever living in the dynamic connection between faith and life.

Period of Purification and Enlightenment Generally coinciding with Lent, this phase emphasizes the individuals growth and preparation for the celebration of the sacraments at the Easter Vigil.

Mystagogy is delving deeper into the mystery of our faith. This is time spent understanding what has been celebrated in the initiation sacraments and within the community.

How do I begin? In a sense you have already begun, because your journey in faith began before you visited this web site.  The next step is to set up a meeting with Marjorie Flores, the RCIA coordinator at 616-532-9344 ext 106 or seeker@spxcatholic.org.  At this meeting there will be some simple paperwork and an explanation of the process.  There is no obligation in asking questions.

I am a member of SPX Parish, How can I help the RCIA Team? The team consists of staff and dedicated parishioners who love their faith and want to help others grow in their understanding of, and appreciation for, the richness of the Catholic faith. Team members share their gift of faith by helping with the four phases of the RCIA process and/or by being a sponsor for a candidate joining the church.  We are always open to individuals interested in becoming a part of the team. If you are ready to experience the many graces of this ministry, call or email Marjorie Flores at 616-532-9344 ext. 106 or seeker@spxcatholic.org.