Become a Catholic – St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church

If you're curious about the Catholic faith or ever thought about becoming a Catholic, our Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) program is just for you. Adults from all faith traditions or no religious background at all, are welcome to participate in the process of RCIA. We usually gather people during late summer and early fall so that full instructions can be completed by the Easter Vigil. There are several weeks of sessions after the Easter Vigil as well.

The RCIA has four stages. The first is a Period of Inquiry. During this stage candidates are invited to ask questions about the Church, share their own faith, and decide whether they would like to continue or not. The second stage is the Catechumenate, during which the candidate is introduced to liturgy, faith-life and service. The third stage is the Enlightenment and Purification. This takes place during the Lenten season with intense prayer and study on the part of the individual as well as the community. It climaxes at the Easter Vigil with the sacraments of Initiation which are Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. The fourth and final stage is the Post-Baptismal Catechesis (Mystagogia). This stage continues from Easter to Pentecost and focuses on the Mysteries of Christ’s death and resurrection and helps the newly baptized to develop a deeper understanding of their faith.

Please contact Vania Goodwin at vgoodwin@seas-carmel.org  for more information. 

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

The RCIA is the rite provided by the Catholic Church for the faith formation and initiation of adult believers into the church. Its intention is to engage the entire parish community in an ongoing process of conversion -- in the formation of new members, and in the continuing formation and renewal of existing members.

If you are interested in becoming Catholic or know someone who is, RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) meets on Tuesdays, at 7:30 pm in the Upper Room.  Weekly meetings will be offered on Tuesdays starting in September 2010 until Pentecost 2011.

 For more information e-mail Vania Goodwin at vgoodwin@seas-carmel.org

Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (RCIC)

Parents: If you have children who have not received any or all of the sacraments of baptism and First Eucharist, if they are older than 7, and you would like them to be prepared to receive these sacraments, please contact the Parish Office at 846-3850 for more information or e-mail vgoodwin@seas-carmel.org