RCIA FAQ's

Christian Initiation refers to the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist (Holy Communion) through which one becomes a full member of the Christian community. These Sacraments are celebrated especially at the Great Vigil of Easter.

These rites refer not only to the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist; but also to the liturgical celebrations that help people prepare for them. These include among others the Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens in the fall and the Enrollment of Names in the spring.

Any Loyola University student who has never been baptized or who has been baptized in a non-Catholic church is welcome to participate. Catholic students who have been baptized but not confirmed may also participate.

Yes! If you would like to learn more about Jesus Christ and his Church, you are most welcome to participate. The initial informational meetings at the beginning of the fall semester will be very beneficial. Of course, as we progress, our meetings are designed to invoke a personal faith commitment to Christ and his Church.

Becoming involved in the RCIA is the best way to learn more about Baptism and to prepare to receive it. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults was designed with you primarily in mind!

If you have been baptized with water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, you will not be baptized again, but you will need to learn more about our Catholic Faith and receive the sacrament of Confirmation before you receive your first Holy Communion.

You will need to receive the sacrament of Confirmation. After you speak to the coordinator about your prior background in the Catholic Church, he may direct you to participate in the full Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults or to join a smaller group of fellow Catholics who will prepare specifically for Confirmation.

No, we will cover all the basic teachings during our weekly meeting. We will use the Bible and the Catechism of the Catholic Church as our guides.

While the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is designed to prepare people to receive Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist, you are always free to decline based on your own free will. Those who participate in the rite of Enrollment of Names for Baptism at beginning of Lent will have committed to being baptized during the Easter Vigil.

You should be prepared to commit to a total of three hours every Sunday evening when classes are in session, beginning in September. We will meet in a classroom for reflection on the teachings of the Church at 7:00 PM, and then we will attend Mass together from 9:00 to 10:00 PM in Madonna della Strada Chapel.

No.