The North American Forum on the Catechumenate THE INITIATION EXPERIENCE: BEGINNINGS June 6-8, 2013 - Pittsburgh, PA Discount registration ends April 6, 2013 This institute provides excellent initial formation for those new to Evangelization/RCIA ministry and ongoing formation for those with some years of experience in this ministry. For complete information, download the PDF brochure. Click here to Register Online. Visit the North American Forum website at www.naforum.org.

RCIA The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults The 2013 Rite of Election will take place on the First Sunday of Lent, February 17, 2013 at 3 p.m. at St. Peter Cathedral, Erie Bishop Lawrence T. Persico, JCL, presiding and Queen of the World, St. Marys Bishop Donald Trautman, STD, SSL presiding RCIA FORMS 2013 Rite of Election materials (13 pages) How to become a Catholic Christian Links to the North American Forum on the Catechumenate

How To Become A Catholic Christian

Where do I begin?

If you are interested in the Catholic Church, contact a parish near you. You will be invited to meet with a group of people like yourself who are inquiring about the Catholic faith. Many of your questions will be answered, and you will feel very much at home.

What do I do next?

If you desire to continue, you will enter a period of formation and instruction called the catechumenate. You will attend the liturgy of the Word at Mass each Sunday, and over a period of time come to discover the full meaning of Catholic life and belief.

How do I enter the Church?

At the end of this time, you will celebrate the Rite of Election in which the Bishop calls you to immediate preparation for baptism.

When am I baptized?

Finally you will be baptized and confirmed at the Vigil of Easter, the night proceeding Easter Sunday.

Is there more?

Following your becoming a Catholic, there is a period of continued faith sharing and instruction.

What if I am a baptized non-Catholic person?

Persons coming into the Church from other faith traditions (for example, Lutheran, Presbyterian, etc.) may not require involvement in the total process described above. This depends upon a number of factors, different in every case.

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We assist pastors and catechists throughout the diocese in implementing the Rite of Christian Initiation (the process by which people become members of the Catholic community.

If you have questions and need answers on any aspect of the Rite, let us be of help to you: