Curious about Catholicism?

 We welcome you to explore the Catholic Faith,
the first, oldest and full expression of Christianity.

Let's get coffee

We'd love to chat with you, share facts about our community with you,
and answer your questions. 
See below.

What does the process of becoming catholic look like?
Our community is excited to share with you more about our 2,000 year old Catholic faith through a process called the
​Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. RCIA is rooted in ancient Christian history, which is designed to prepare adults to enter the Church. It seeks, however, to do more than simply give interested persons information. Catholicism is a way of life, and becoming Catholic is a journey in faith that involves entering into relationship with a worldwide community of God’s people. RCIA is for any adult who is interested in becoming a Catholic (no matter one's religious background, if any), and for any baptized adult Catholics who have not received the Sacraments of Confirmation and/or First Eucharist. 
​
If you have a teen or a child who would also like to go through the process, 
please contact Marysa Alvarez for children 5th grade and under.
Please contact Fernando Cartagena, Director of Youth Ministry for 6th grade and older. ​​
 "The RCIA experience at Saint Clare was simply amazing. I had questions about Catholicism so I joined the class to learn more, and boy did I learn more! The classes had a great balance of history and academic knowledge coupled with deep theological thinking and inward reflection. It was a true heart and head changing experience. My two favorites were the weeks we spent dissecting the Mass and the retreat we did as a group delving into prayer and Eucharistic Adoration. What a great experience."
       - RCIA Participant 2017
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RCIA is a spiritual journey which may be different for each person because of their background and life experiences.  RCIA is made up of a series of four periods along with a few formal public celebrations known as rites.  

The RCIA process usually lasts about nine months and includes:
  • Monthly sessions focused on prayer and reflection on what God has to say to us through the scriptures.
  • An individual formation plan, guided by a sponsor and shepherd, to help you deepen your relationship with Jesus and become a part of the Saint Clare of Assisi Catholic community.
  • Self-paced study with video and study guide support to learn about Catholic belief, prayer, and more.
  • Sunday morning rites (during our Sunday Masses) and a few Saturday retreats.
  • Sacraments and reception into the Church, normally at Easter. 
  • ​A period of exploring what it means to serve Jesus Christ as a Catholic following Easter​.
The process toward becoming Catholic starts with a conversation with our Director of Faith Formation, Chris Diffenderfer, or our Pastor, Father West. We then continue in the RCIA into a journey into what it means to follow Jesus as Catholics. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to learn more about Catholic faith and practice, including:
  • The journey of faith
  • What God has revealed to his people
  • The scriptures and the story of salvation
  • Who Jesus is and what he has done and is doing for us (the paschal mystery)
  • The Holy Spirit
  • The Church, and why it is so important for each person and for God's mission in the world
  • Mary and the saints
  • The last things—God's plan for us and for the world
  • The sacraments—Baptism, Confirmation, the Eucharist and the Mass, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Matrimony, and Holy Orders.
  • A Catholic moral vision and what that means for our lives, for our relationships, and for our place in the Church and the world.
  • Catholic social teaching

"Catholicism is a way of life.
Becoming Catholic is a journey of faith that involves entering into relationship with a worldwide community of God's people.”

Get in touch

If you're interested in learning more, getting coffee with someone who has recently gone through RCIA, or would like to talk with our Director of Faith Formation or our Pastor, please fill out the form below.