The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults or RCIA is a ministry dedicated to the faith formation and full initiation of adults from other faith traditions or with no religious background at all into the Roman Catholic faith. In addition, adult Catholics who have not yet received all of their sacraments of initiation may also attend the sessions offered by the RCIA in order to receive the appropriate sacraments to complete their initiation.

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Ministry provides an avenue for unbaptized persons who want to begin the journey toward joining the Catholic Church through the Sacraments of Initiation - Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist.

The RCIA is for:

• unbaptized,
• baptized Christians who wish to explore entering into the Catholic Church; and
• baptized Catholics who wish to complete their Sacraments of Initiation of Confirmation and first Eucharist. 

• fostering a personal relationship with Christ;
• understanding the Holy Scriptures;
• becoming a disciple of Christ;
• and learning and experiencing the richness of the Catholic Church and way of life!

• Inquiry -  sessions in which we answer your questions,
• Catechetical Instruction - teaching on church sacraments and doctrine,
• Retreats - days of reflection, and the ongoing support and encouragement of sponsors who accompany each candidate on the journey toward full membership in the Catholic Church.
• Prayer - an integral part of the entire process and is emphasized in our sessions during Lent.
• Integration and Support - After the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil, we continue to meet to continue to address your needs and help with integration into the larger church.

Adults who complete this process receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion (the Eucharist) at Easter.

RCIA meets on Tuesdays, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm, September through May of each year.

For more information about RCIA at Saint Augustine’s, contact Sabrina Williams, RCIA Coordinator: 202-294-6990 or by email: staugrcia@gmail.com.

You may also visit the Archdiocese of Washington website for additional information.