Saint John the Baptist Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a journey of faith and a call to initial or deeper conversion to the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is an invitation to all people to live the fullness of the Christian Faith which is found in the Catholic Church.

RCIA is for those who desire Baptism and for those who were baptized in another Christian tradition who desire full communion with the Catholic Church. It is also for those baptized in the Catholic Church who desire the sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. We also invite the very important participation of our parishioners to serve as catechists, sponsors, faith companions and hospitality.

RCIA consists of four distinct periods. Throughout the RCIA year certain liturgical rites will be celebrated with the parish and diocesan community at Saint John the Baptist and Saint Paul Cathedral corresponding to each period.

Pre-Catechumenate – This is a period of inquiry and a time to ask initial questions about the Catholic Church. It is a time for initial or deeper conversion to the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Catechumenate – This period is for deeper reflection and understanding of the Sacred Scriptures and learning of the beliefs and teachings of the Catholic Church.

Purification and Enlightenment – This period corresponds to the time of Lent, the six weeks of preparation for Easter. It is a time of self-reflection, deeper conversion and prayer.

Mystagogy – After one has been received into the full communion of the Catholic Church this period is a time to more fully uncover and experience Christian life in the Catholic Church.

The RCIA of Saint John the Baptist desires to reach out to all in our parish community of Plum Borough and Penn Hills. If you, or someone you know, have interest or any question about the Catholic Church we invite you to contact Ronald Donatelli, the Director of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, by phone or email.