RCIA - Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults - Adults who are interested in becoming a member of the Catholic Church participate in a spiritual journey that begins in September, meets weekly, and culminates at the Easter Vigil. This journey includes different periods followed by a ritual marking ongoing conversion.

Precatechumenate - The first period is one during which the gospels are presented and time is devoted to inquiries by those interested in converting. It is followed by a rite of acceptance.

Catechumenate - The second period is one of more in depth teaching and learning and is followed by a rite of election.

Purification and Enlightenment - This third period which occurs during Lent is a time of spiritual preparation which includes three rites of scrutiny.

Easter Vigil - The spiritual preparation now completed, Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist are celebrated.

Mystagogy - This is a period of  catechesis*  leading to a fuller involvement in the life of the community.

RCIC -  Rite of Christian Initiation of Children - This is the normal way for unbaptized children who have reached the age of reason to enter the Catholic Church. It includes the same periods and rites as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. The children and at least one parent meet eight times starting in October. While preparing through the RCIC, children also need to be participating in religious education either through the parish school or School of Religion. For more information, please call the Parish Office at 410-427-7500.

*Catechesis is a Greek word meaning "to echo or to resound". It is often used to refer to the way we retell the story of our faith in Christ so that others may come to believe.