All Saints Catholic Church - Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Then please consider...

RCIA

The Rite of Christian Initation of Adults
(and children 7 and older)

What is RCIA? This is truly an initation process, a jouney to allow those wanting to become catholic or curious about the Church to learn more about the Catholic faith. Children meet seperately with age appropriate teaching. Parents and/or sponsors are required to be with the children.

When? Usually the sessions begin the weekend after Labor Day.

How long will it take? The time commitment is an hour and a half a week for about 9 months. We meet on Sunday mornings at 9am until 10:20am between the masses. Because of the progression of topics, we ask that you attend all sessions and make up the ones you miss.

What do we do? The process is based on prayer, sharing, teaching, and the freedom to ask questions, have doubts, and experience the Catholic faith with all its Rites and rituals. We will have a companion book and use the Bible frequently. There will be time for discussion in small groups and discernment with the director of the program. The process is divided into rites that mark the transition. The Rite of Acceptance and Welcome usually occurs around the end of november. The Rite of Sending and Rite of Election happen during the first Sunday of Lent. The Scrutiny Rites happen during three masses throughout Lent. The Rites of Initiation occur at the Easter Vigil Mass where those who are ready are received into the Catholic Church and receive the Sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation. There are also two retreats. One on Ash Wednesday, usually in February, and one on Palm Sunday, the Sunday before Easter. This is followed by Mystagogy, which is a period of reflection on the Scriptures and what it means to be Catholic. This lasts until Pentecost, several weeks after Easter.