The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is not a program. Rather, it is the process through which a person, typically an adult, is accompanied by members of the parish community on the initial journey of discipleship. That journey consists of four phases, each of which helps the person going through RCIA to enter deeper into the beauty and mystery that is the Catholic Faith. The goal of RCIA is to both awaken and foster in people a desire for a lifelong relationship with Jesus.

Walking with someone throug the RCIA process, if done well, can be an incredibly fruitful process.  There are few parish-based ministries more suited toward, and more focused on the process of making disciples.  People come to the church for RCIA for many reasons, some come because they encountered a parishioner and what to know more about what makes them the way they are, some come to RCIA because they are curious about the faith, and some come to RCIA  because they want to share the faith with a spouse who is already Catholic.

Regardless of the reason, RCIA is a perfect vehicle for making disciples.  However, this can be a multi-facted process depending on the situations of those entering into it.  If you have questions about how you can improve this process at your parish, contact your parish's liaison.  A list of liaisons and the parishes they serve can be found by clicking HERE.