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Seton Hall University
Statue of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

Becoming a Catholic

“I will go peaceably and firmly to the Catholic Church: for if Faith is so important to our salvation, I will seek it where true Faith first began, seek it among those who received it from God Himself.” – St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

Interested in Becoming Catholic?

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a way in which adults become full, active members of the Catholic Church.

Journey to the Lord: RCIA at Seton Hall

For more information about the RCIA program, contact one of the Brothers or Sisters of St. John in Campus Ministry: [email protected].

Is RCIA for YOU? It is if you:

  • Would like to learn more about the Catholic faith
  • Are interested in becoming Catholic
  • Are a baptized Catholic who wishes to receive Communion or Confirmation

What is RCIA?

An image from an RCIA video from the Catholic News Service. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a way in which adults become full, active members of the Catholic Church. The goal of the RCIA process is full, conscious, and active participation in an exciting life with Jesus Christ within His Catholic Church. RCIA helps adults grow in their relationship with God, become familiar with Catholic teachings and practices, get acquainted with the faith community, and get involved in service within the community as a whole.

Many persons who want to join the Catholic Church have already been baptized in another Christian Church. They do not need to be rebaptized. They will follow a form of these four steps adapted to their particular needs and concerns.

Period of Inquiry

  • Unique to each individual.
  • Time for asking questions.
  • Time to intensely examine one’s personal relationship with God.
  • Ends when inquirers become firm in their desire for initiation and for study of Catholic teachings and practices.

Rite of Acceptance

  • Begins with the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens or, for those who are already baptized, the Rite of Welcoming.
  • Time of learning the teachings of the Church and beginning to accept Catholic teachings and practices.
  • Sponsors accompany catechumens and candidates on their journey.
  • Length of Catechumenate period can vary from person to person.
  • Ends when the catechumens discern that God is calling them to receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation).

Rite of Election

  • Begins with Rite of Election.
  • Catechumens are now called the Elect.
  • Time of intense preparation during Lent to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus at Easter and to receive the Sacraments of Initiation.

Initiation and Mystagogia

  • Begins with the reception of the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and First Communion during the Easter Season.
  • Time of reflection on the commitment made to the Lord, the Church, and the faith community.
  • Time of finding a place in the community and getting involved.

The Journey of Faith Lasts a Lifetime. The Results of the Journey Never End. For more information about the RCIA program, contact one of the Brothers or Sisters of St. John in Campus Ministry: [email protected].