St. Bernadette Church
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
(703) 451-8576

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) prepares Unbaptized individuals, age 7 above, to be initiated into the Catholic Church with the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. Initiation usually occurs at the Easter Vigil celebration.

The RCIA also prepares individuals who were baptized in another Christian tradition (i.e. Methodist, Presbyterian, etc.) to be received into full communion of the Catholic Church, through a profession of faith and the reception of the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.

The RCIA also prepares individuals who were baptized as an infant in the Catholic Church but whom never completed their initiation. These individuals who were baptized Catholic would complete their initiation by receiving the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.

The preparation for initiation, reception into full communion, or completion of initiation, will include study of Catholic teachings, doctrine and customs, scripture study, and participation in certain rituals. The preparation of children will be adapted to their age level.

Contact the parish Office of Religious Education for additional details and schedules.