RCIA: Coming Home to the Catholic Church

When someone starts to seriously inquire about the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), they quickly learn that this is not a program — this is a process. Becoming a full member of the Catholic Church is a decision that one doesn’t take lightly. Catholics believe the entirety of Church teachings, so the process of becoming Catholic might seem daunting. But thanks to a dedicated team, those attending RCIA classes learn the important aspects of the faith and have a safe place to ask questions.

Theresa Summons has been attending RCIA classes since the fall. Her son began attending St. Jude last year, and with the wonderful experiences he has had at the school and seeing the joy that the faith brings to his peers, he asked to be baptized and receive the sacraments. Between the interest of her son and the warm welcome that they have experienced at the parish, Theresa began attending the RCIA classes.

“The most important thing the program has brought is a safe space to ask questions,” Theresa says. “I never feel like my questions are forbidden or that I am wrong to question certain teachings. The speakers have given me a thread of knowledge that I can pull to continue reading and growing within the faith.”

The classes take place on Thursday evenings for two hours, following a schedule of three weeks in a row, and then take a week off. Classes follow the curriculum of the This Is Our Faith book. Each meeting has a speaker who comes in to talk about the topic being covered that week. After that, there is an opportunity for discussion in small groups. Different ministries at the parish also come in and share about their ministries and provide a snack for those in attendance. This allows the candidates and catechumens to meet others within the parish and learn more about the different opportunities to get involved in the community.

Herb McClain started his journey through RCIA this year when he was looking for answers and an understanding of the Catholic faith.

“I was lost in my beliefs,” he says. “Having married a Catholic woman and attending Mass, I started finding answers. So I decided to take the step. The classes have been great and they have such strong speakers. It has been great going through this with the others in our classes and it has been an enlightening journey.”

This year, there are three catechumens. Catechumens are those who have never been baptized and will receive the Sacraments of Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation at the Easter Vigil. The tradition of catechumens coming into the church at the Easter Vigil is a tradition that began in the very early years of the church.

Five candidates are going through the RCIA process this year. Candidates have been baptized but have not received their other sacraments. They will receive the other sacraments of initiation at a special Mass at Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Indianapolis in June.

Tammy Stewart has been co-directing the RCIA classes for the last couple of years.

“During this process, some decide that they need more time before receiving their sacraments and that is completely acceptable,” she says. “It is such an honor and a joy to walk alongside the candidates and catechumens as they go through this process. It is special to see the Holy Spirit working in them.”

“For those who are considering starting RCIA, I would encourage them to just do it,” Theresa adds. “It is never too late and there is no pressure if you find that it isn’t right for you. In the end, you will be glad you dedicated the time to yourself.”

The catechumens and candidates are looking forward to receiving their sacraments at the Easter Vigil and the Mass in June. The parish is blessed to have a dedicated team to lead the participants through the RCIA process.

(Front row, from left) Jan Harris, sponsor; Joyce Roell, team member; Kellie Kriech, catechumen; Vivian Combs, candidate; Theresa Summons, catechumen; Tammy Stewart, team member; (back row, from left) Herb McClain, candidate; Caryn Hudspeth, team member; John Stewart, team member; Bradd Stoops, catechumen; David Meece, candidate (not pictured — Nick Banks, candidate)

Kellie Kriech, Caryn Hudspeth and Theresa Summons

Joyce Roell, Heb McClain, Jan Harris and Bradd Stoops