In the Catholic Church, those interested in becoming Catholic, or interested in completing their sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist), or those who were baptized into another Christian faith and wished to become Catholic join a program called the R.C.I.A. ( or R.C.I.C.).

R.C.I.A. stands for Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (or children). This program is a journey where one learns more about the Catholic faith and, specifically, the sacraments they will receive.

Those entering into this program will participate in weekly (or S.T.J.W. school) classes that are age-appropriate.  This first stage is called a period of inquiry, where basic information about the Catholic church is received and shared. 

In the second year, the student will continue with their faith formation. They will be given additional resources to complete with their parent’s assistance and participate in a small number of classes designed to prepare them to receive the sacraments.