RCIA   

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

Welcome! The RCIA is a faith journey that prepares individuals to hear and accept God’s invitation to embrace life in the Catholic Christian community.  The RCIA process allows individuals to inquire about the Catholic faith, explore God’s call in their lives, and learn how Catholic Christians live and pray within their faith community. 

Individuals learn about the faith through group discussions, prayer, community gatherings, community worship, Scripture reading and study and formal talks about Catholic beliefs.  Group gatherings are held weekly on Sunday mornings from November through April. 

Those interested in learning about the Catholic faith and participating in the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults may be:                

Persons who may have been baptized or formed in another Christian faith Catholics who may have been baptized but not formed in the faith Persons who have never been formed or baptized into a faith tradition

The RCIA is an initiation process that includes several stages of growth and varies  depending on the faith formation of the individual.  An individual progresses through the stages as they discern their readiness. A brief description of the periods follows:  Inquiry Period - This first phase of the RCIA journey is an informal time for exploring, asking questions, expressing concerns and getting to know the church community. Catechumenate Period - A candidate enters this phase once they have stated their intention to continue the initiation process.  During this period, the person learns about Catholic beliefs and practices, joins with the community for worship and action and participates in Scripture reflection sessions.

 Purification and Enlightenment - The individual enters this phase once it is determined they are prepared to be received into full communion with the church. This is a period of preparation for receipt of the sacraments and there is an emphasis on prayer, Scripture reflection and self-examination.

 Mystagogy - This period follows receipt of the sacraments and full initiation during the Easter Vigil.  It is a time for reflection on the celebration of the mysteries of our faith, the individual’s personal experience in receiving the sacraments and for deepening one’s relationship with God and the church community.

 St. Peter’s parish is a vibrant, faith community that is here to support you on your faith journey.   Spiritual guides, or sponsors, walk the journey of faith with you as you go through the RCIA process.  Our Pastor, Father Tony,  and the RCIA Team are there to answer your questions and provide any assistance you may need. 

If you have any questions or want to join us, contact Laurita Miller, RCIA Director

at laurita@stpetersbpk.com or call the parish office at (305) 872-2537.

*Laurita Miller is originally from Philadelphia, PA and now splits her time between the Florida Keys and the Jersey Shore.  She worked in human resources management at a New Jersey hospital for most of her professional life.  She has been married to her husband, Bill for 26 years.  Her interests include reading, yoga, boating, cooking and travelling.

Laurita is a certified catechist and has completed a four-year Bible study course with the Camden, New Jersey diocese.  She has been involved with the RCIA program for four years.