Mission Statement:

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a rite of welcome, beginning and reconnection. It is a faith journey of the community that helps us renew mind, heart and spirit. The journey is guided by members of the parish who live by the Gospel of Jesus. Newcomers are helped to find how their gifts can benefit the community. It is also a personal journey in which the candidates look at their own relationship with God. As the newcomers discover Christ, their enthusiasm can help transform the whole parish.

The Rite is designed for:

• Those who have never been baptized
• Catholics who have been baptized, but have not received Confirmation or Eucharist
• Those who like to come into full communion with the Church
• Those who have no church to call their own.
• Catholics who have strayed from their faith but would like to be reconnected.

Becoming a Catholic is a very profound and joyous experience. Some receive the gift while they are still infants, and over the course of time they grow in recognition of both the enormous grace that has been bestowed upon them and of the dignity and wonder of their identity as Catholics. Others come into the Catholic community while they are older children or adults. In these cases it is necessary for people to have a grasp of the joyful process by which becomes a Catholic.

The process is The Rite of Christian Initiation.

The Rite of Christian Initiation of adults was restored by the Vatican Council in 1972. The program is intended for adults who, after hearing the mystery of Christ proclaimed, consciously and freely seek the living God and enter the faith and conversion as the Holy Spirit opens their hearts. Through God's help they will be strengthened spiritually during their preparation and at the proper time will receive the sacraments fruitfully.

The process of initiation is a gradual process that takes place within the community of the faithful. The rite of initiation is suited to the spiritual journey of adults that varies according to the many forms of God's grace. The program includes time for inquiry and for taking steps as they move along this spiritual pathway.

The Steps:

• Initial conversion
• Wishing to become Catholic
• Intense preparation for the sacraments of initiation
• The spiritual journey of preparation, completed, they receive the sacraments of Christian initiation

When the steps above are completed they are accepted into the order of catechumens.

Note: The word catechumenate means "time of serious study" and inquirers who become catechumens (those who have not been baptized,) or candidates (baptized Christians who have not been confirmed as Roman Catholics).

Sacramental initiation takes place during the Easter season, on the night of The Easter Vigil. (Holy Saturday)

The entire community is responsible for the initiation of adults interested in the Catholic faith.

St. Paul's has always presented an outstanding program for the Christian Initiation of Adults.

How Can You Get Involved?

Those interested in learning more about Catholicism please all Terry Brady, Director RCIA at 415-648-7538. Inquiries are always welcome.