RCIA stand for Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults.  The RCIA is the process by which non-Catholic Christians or those following other religious traditions learn about the Catholic Church, undergo a period of conversion to and formation in the Church’s beliefs and traditions, prepare for entrance into the Church’s life, and finally become integrated into the Catholic community.

            The Catholic Church uses the RCIA to spread the Word of God to those who wish to worship the Lord Jesus Christ with us.  During this process, The Church of the Holy Trinity community, along with a team of presenters, assists those who are searching to awaken their faith in the Lord, to deepen their spirituality, and to come to the fullness of new life in faith.

            The RCIA is directed primarily towards anyone who is interested in becoming a Catholic.  However, information sessions are open to any man or woman who is interested in learning more about the Church.

            We welcome any person who has not been baptized to learn through the RCIA what it means to become a Catholic Christian.

            The RCIA is also for those who have been baptized non-Catholic and now seek entrance into the Roman Catholic Church.  While the Church respects the baptism that marks non-Catholics as Christians, the RCIA process will provide necessary instruction and formation for living a life of faith in the Catholic tradition.

            Many people who are planning to marry Catholics look to RCIA as a way of understanding their future partner’s faith.  One belief that Catholics maintain is that marriage is a permanent bond and a covenant that the couple make together to each other and to God.  Therefore, those married by a civil official need to have their marriage cnnvalidated by the Church's ordained ministers. Those who seek to become members of the Church will need to discuss their marital status with a member of the Holy Trinity Team or the parish priest as soon as possible.

            Holy Trinity’s RCIA meets once per week for approximately one and a half hours.  The format is informal, usually comprised of a short presentation by one of the Team Members or someone with some knowledge of the topic, topic-related group discussion, questions and answers, and dismissal.  There are occasional reading assignments, especially selections from Sacred Scripture.

            From Advent to Easter, Candidates (baptized Christians) and Catechumens (non baptized) meet for approximately one half additional hour.  During this time they are asked to attend the Liturgy of the Word on Sunday and to participate in the sharing group when they are dismissed from the Liturgy.

            Twice during the RCIA process all those interested in continuing will need to have a brief personal interview with one of the team members.

            Regular attendance at all RCIA events is considered crucial in determining individual commitment, preparation, and readiness.