How does one become Catholic?
Some, who have been baptized into another Christian denomination, become Catholic by making a solemn Profession of Faith, being Confirmed, and sharing Eucharist (the Body and Blood of Christ) with the Catholic Community. Others, having never been baptized, are initiated through a process that leads to Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist at the Catholic Church’s annual celebration of the Easter Vigil, which begins our celebration of the Easter Season. Because of our university setting, we celebrate this the first Sunday after Easter.

Where does the Christian Initiation of Adults take place?
The usual place for a person to become a full member of the Catholic Church is within a parish setting. The Catholic Newman Center provides for the spiritual needs of students and others affiliated with The Minnesota State University, Mankato in much the same way a parish cares for its members. Thus, the Catholic Newman Center provides an RCIA program for students and affiliates of MSU, as well as those who have found a meaningful faith community here at the Catholic Newman Center.

Who may attend RCIA?
• Those who have never been baptized as Christians.
• Those who have been baptized in another Christian faith tradition and are now interested in the Catholic tradition.
• Those who were baptized in the Catholic Church but were not raised as Catholics.
• Those who have been baptized in the Catholic Tradition but never received First Communion or Confirmation.

How long does it take to become Catholic?
The RCIA is not a program or a class; rather it is a process of preparation for the lifetime commitment that comes with reception into the Catholic Church. It takes as long as you need.

The usual length of the preparation ranges about eight months but may be extended if a person desires more time and discernment. Some people need more time than others to prepare for this commitment and transformation.
In all but the most exceptional cases, the initiation of new members takes place at the second Sunday of Easter mass on campus.

What does the RCIA involve?
The RCIA process begins with a period of Inquiry. The Inquiry period is a time for you, as someone looking at the Catholic Church, to raise questions that you have about the Catholic faith. It is also a time to get to know others who might be journeying with you throughout the RCIA process.

After the Inquiry period, those that choose to continue in the RCIA process go through a special welcoming ceremony. Following the welcoming ceremony, those who have entered begin a stage called the Catechumenate. Those to be baptized are called Catechumens and those who are already baptized are called Candidates. This is a period of prayer and study that allows the Catechumens and Candidates to become educated in the many different aspects of Catholicism.

The RCIA process begins in September and meets on Thursdays at 7 pm (except during Christmas & Spring breaks). The group continues to meet for a few weeks after Easter.