Thinking of joining the Roman Catholic Church? The Catholic RCIA stages are a good model of basic faith development.
Many adults entering the Catholic Church, or those just thinking about it, follow a process known as the RCIA – the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. Our Lady of Lourdes has a wonderful team to help guide you through the process.
The RCIA program has several stages. These Catholic RCIA stages are a good model of faith development itself.
Inquiry: the initial period before you decide to enter the Catholic Church. You’re asking questions and checking it out, but aren’t yet ready to commit.
Catechumenate: those who decide to enter the Church and are being trained for a life in Christ are called catechumens, an ancient name from the early Church. In this stage, you’re developing your faith and are being “catechized” – learning catechism, or the basic points about Catholic faith and life.
Purification and preparation: The Church will help you focus and intensify your faith as you prepare you to commit your life to Christ and be received into the Church at Easter. If you’re following the RCIA process, you’ll go through a beautiful series of Gospel-based meditations during Lent, which is the time frame of this period.
Initiation itself, the culmination of the whole process! You’re received into the Church during the Easter Vigil Mass, where you’ll receive the sacraments of initiation: baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist. (If you’ve already been baptized, you won’t be baptized again.)
If you or someone you know wishes to join the Catholic Church or simply desires to learn more about the Church, please call the Parish Office at 717-732-9642.
Women of the Parish: Are you interested in growing in your faith, studying the bible, and meeting other women of the parish? The Women’s Ministry of OLOL is offering a Walking With Purpose bible study again this year. We are planning to have an in-person (following recommended guidelines) as well as a virtual option for participation. If you have previously participated in a Walking with Purpose bible study, we will be offering a new one this year. Please contact Cindy Heidelbaugh at 717-461-1778 or Heidelsix@gmail.com for more information.
