RCIA

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is the process by which an adult joins the Catholic faith.  This process includes studying the beliefs of the Church community (doctrinal formation), connecting with the Church community (practical formation), praying and worshipping with the Church community (liturgical formation), and serving with the Church community (apostolic formation).  The content and duration of the Becoming Catholic (RCIA) process will vary based on the faith background of those approaching the Church, but generally ranges from one to two years.  Those who have been previously baptized in a Christian tradition are invited into full communion in the Church through the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.  For those not baptized, this process leads to the Easter Vigil where they receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.  

At Our Lady of Lourdes, The "Becoming Catholic" or RCIA process is available all year and generally progresses through three phases:  Inquiry, Candidacy, and Mystagogy.  During Inquiry, adults learn the basics of the faith, enough to discern entry to the next phase: Candidacy (or the Catechumenate, if not baptized).  In this phase they are matched with a Sponsor who provides spiritual companionship on their journey to becoming Catholic.  In these first two phases, participants meet weekly in addition to regular Mass attendance.  In addition, selected rituals during weekend Mass mark the spiritual growth of the candidates as well as express the community's joy and concern for them.  Once a Candidate or Catechumen is welcomed into the Church, they enter the final phase: Mystagogy, which consists of monthly sessions to help the new Catholics fully embrace their new identity and integrate into the parish.  

Still have questions?  Please contact Julie McDonald at: [email protected] or 513-574-4840 for more information.

RCIA 2023

"It is through faith that all of you are God's sons in union with Christ Jesus.  You were baptized into union with Christ, and now you are clothed, so to speak, with the life of Christ himself".  Galatians 3:26-27

Congratulations to the new members of the church!  Four Elect and three Candidates made their profession of faith into the Roman Catholic Church at Easter Vigil on April 8, 2003, at St. Martin of Tours Parish.  
The newest members of the church are: Austin Boyers, Tobias Jeffers, Dennis Jeffers, Samantha Kasten, Adriano Rodriguez, William Swingle and Keira Williams.  Ad maiorem Dei gloriam!