The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, or "RCIA", is a program for adults who are interested in becoming Catholics. It consists of several months of instruction in the teachings, beliefs, customs and practices of the Catholic faith. Those who complete the process are baptized and/or confirmed, and receive their First Communion at Easter. There is no cost for this program, and all materials are provided by the parish.

Many people are searching for spiritual meaning and a deeper relationship with God. Often they feel drawn to the Catholic faith. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a process by which adults explore the Catholic faith and ordinarily become members of the Church.

Who is the RCIA intended for?

• Adults who have never been baptized.
• Adults who have been baptized in another Christian denomination.
• Adults who simply want to learn more about the Catholic faith (e.g. the spouse of a Catholic who wants to learn more about the Church).
• Adults who were baptized Catholic, but never received First Communion or Confirmation.

RCIA Winter / Spring Schedule for the Year 2009-2010 in Adobe Reader (pdf - 33 KB)

At St. Celestine's, our RCIA program will begin on September 14, 2009 and will conclude on Easter Sunday of 2010. We meet on Monday evenings in the 2nd floor of the Pastoral Center from 7 to 8:30 pm. Required reading will be taken from the book: A Well-Built Faith: A Catholic’s Guide to Knowing and Sharing What We Believe by Joe Paprocki. The book will be provided each participant. All Inquirers Are Welcome!!!

If you or someone you know would like to learn more about RCIA, please contact Father Jeffrey at the Pastoral Center at 708-453-2555 or jgrob@archchicago.org or Julie McGuire, CRE at the Religious Education Office at 708-453-2555 or julie@stcelestineparish.org.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NEW CATHOLICS AT THE EASTER VIGIL 2009

Six individuals had been diligently preparing for months to enter the Catholic Church (through Baptism or by a profession of faith) or to complete the Sacraments of Initiation, that is to say, the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist, at the Easter Vigil on Saturday, April 11, 2009. I am pleased to welcome them and to ask for your continued prayers for them, so that the Lord may strengthen them in their resolve to be His faithful followers. They are:

Congratulations to our New Catholics!!!
What a joy it is to welcome you to the Church
May God bless you with a deep and growing faith in the years ahead

See more pictures in our Photo and Video Gallery / Easter Vigil 2009