Interested in becoming a Catholic?

Interested in learning more about what Catholics believe?  Thought about joining the Catholic Church but weren’t sure how?  Are you a Catholic who simply wants to learn more?  Have you been baptized but have not received the Sacrament of Confirmation?  Sacred Heart offers a weekly program on the beliefs and practices of the Catholic Faith and we invite you to come and learn more. 

Why Become a Catholic?   (RCIA)

Interested in learning more about what Catholics believe?  Thought about joining the Catholic Church but weren’t sure how?  Are you a Catholic who simply wants to learn more?  Have you been baptized but have not received the Sacrament of Confirmation?  Sacred Heart offers a weekly program on the beliefs and practices of the Catholic Faith and we invite you to come and learn more. 

What is RCIA?

The RCIA, which stands for “Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults,” is a process through which men and women might choose to enter the Catholic Church. It includes several stages marked by study, prayer and rites at Mass. Participants in the RCIA are known as either catechumens (non-baptized individuals) or candidates. They undergo a process of conversion as they study the Gospel, profess faith in Jesus and learn about the Catholic Church.  The RCIA process follows the ancient practice of the church and was restored by the Second Vatican Council as the normal way adults prepare for baptism.

Who should attend RCIA?

RCIA is for anyone who is interested in learning more about the Catholic faith, regardless of whether or not they are certain they would like to join the Church.  It is not a commitment to join the Church.

RCIA is for those who: 1) have no religious background at all; 2) have been a part of a different faith background (Protestant is just one example); 3) were baptized Catholic as infants but never practiced nor learned about the faith and are now wish to come back to the Church; or 4) Catholics who received the Sacrament of Confirmation and want to learn more about their faith.  These are just a few examples.  RCIA is for anyone who wishes to learn more about the Catholic faith and possibly join our Church family.  RCIA includes people from all walks of life – young and old with different backgrounds and jobs.

How does RCIA work at Sacred Heart?

Our sessions run each week from September to a few weeks after Easter.  We meet on Thursday evenings in the North American Martyrs Room (on the bottom floor of the school) from 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.

There is no charge for RCIA and childcare is available at no charge as well.

Sessions are led by our deacon and at times by a lay leader. (“Lay” means someone who is neither a priest, deacon nor a religious-sister/nun.)  Some of the lay leaders will be on the RCIA team other than the deacon and priests and some will be Sacred Heart parishioners or guest presenters.  Each session will focus on a particular topic which is followed by a time for questions and discussion regarding how to apply this to our lives. As followers of Christ, we are a prayerful people who will pray together as well as periodically attend Mass together.

Can I attend Mass if I am not Catholic?

Everyone can attend Mass. RCIA students are requested to attend Sunday Mass and Catholics are required to attend Sunday Mass.  On the first Sunday of the month you (optionally your family may join you) and a lay RCIA team member will attend the 9:00 a.m. Mass as a group.  Sunday Masses are: Saturday evening (vigil Mass at 5:00 p.m.) or a Sunday Mass (at 7:00, 9:00 or 11:00 a.m. or Sunday evening at 6:00 p.m.).   The Mass is the center of Catholic life and as such, weekly Sunday Mass attendance is prescribed for all Catholics.

May I receive communion if I am not yet Catholic?

Unfortunately no. This is due to the historical divisions which have separated Christians for many centuries. Catholics believe that the Eucharist is Jesus truly present in the Eucharist- Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity.  It is NOT “just a symbol.” Because of the centrality of the belief of the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, and because Catholics believe that the celebration of the Eucharist is a sign of unity of faith, life, and worship, non-Catholics are not admitted to Communion.

Ready to get started?  Please contact the parish office at (314) 837-3757 or Deacon John Heithaus at 314-614-3456.