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Curious About the Catholic Faith?

Bring your questions. Explore at your own pace. Discover where God may be leading you.

Welcome Home

Explore the Catholic Faith

Thinking about becoming Catholic or completing your Sacraments of Initiation? We welcome you.

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a faith journey for adults who are exploring the Catholic faith or seeking to complete their Sacraments of Initiation. It is a welcoming process that meets people wherever they are on their faith journey.

Who Is RCIA For?

There are many ways a person may begin

Some people come with years of Christian experience. Others are encountering Christianity for the first time. Some were baptized Catholic but never completed their Sacraments of Initiation. RCIA begins by understanding your own background and circumstances.

Never Baptized

Those who have never been baptized and are considering Baptism, whether they come from another religious background or have no previous religious background.

Baptized in Another Christian Tradition

Those who have already received Christian Baptism and are considering entering into full communion with the Catholic Church.

Baptized Catholic

Catholics who were baptized but have not yet received all of the Sacraments of Initiation, such as First Holy Communion or Confirmation.

Older Children or Youth

Parents seeking Baptism or the Sacraments of Initiation for an older child or youth are invited to contact the Parish Office so the appropriate path can be discussed.

The RCIA Journey

More than a class

RCIA is a journey of faith, prayer, learning, reflection and community. Participants gradually come to know Jesus Christ more deeply and learn the teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church while discerning how God may be calling them.

Inquiry

An opportunity to ask questions, learn about the Catholic faith and explore your desire to become Catholic.

Catechumenate

A deeper period of learning, prayer, reflection and growth in relationship with Christ and the Catholic community.

Purification and Enlightenment

A period of spiritual preparation during Lent leading toward the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation.

Mystagogy

During the Easter Season, newly initiated Catholics continue to deepen their faith and discover more fully what it means to live as members of the Church.

The process is adapted to each person's circumstances and faith journey. An unbaptized person and someone already baptized as a Christian do not necessarily follow exactly the same path, because their sacramental circumstances are different.

What to Expect

A process of accompaniment and discernment

You do not need to have everything figured out before you begin. RCIA provides room to ask questions, learn, pray and discern without pretending that every person begins from the same place.

Questions Are Welcome

Inquiry is a genuine opportunity to explore Catholic belief and practice and to raise the questions that are important to you.

Your Background Matters

Baptism, previous Christian formation, marriage and other circumstances may affect the path of preparation, so the process begins by understanding your situation.

Discernment Takes Time

RCIA is not simply a checklist or a fixed countdown. It allows time for faith, understanding and readiness to develop naturally.

Take the First Step

Begin with a conversation

The first step is simply to connect with our RCIA Team. This gives us an opportunity to learn about your faith background and circumstances, answer questions, explain the process and discern together the most appropriate path for you.

When you are ready, the RCIA inquiry form will ask for some basic personal, family, sacramental and faith background information so that the parish can accompany you appropriately.

Ready to begin?

Complete the RCIA Inquiry and Registration Form to begin the conversation with Holy Name's RCIA Team.

Begin Your RCIA Inquiry

Completing the inquiry form does not by itself constitute enrollment in the Catholic Church or a commitment to receive the Sacraments.

Already Catholic?

Become an RCIA Sponsor

RCIA also depends on practising Catholics who are willing to accompany those preparing to enter more deeply into the life of the Church.

Holy Name welcomes fully initiated and practising Catholics who are willing to serve as RCIA sponsors. Sponsors walk alongside catechumens and candidates through prayer, friendship, encouragement and presence.

You do not need to be a teacher or an expert in the faith. What matters most is a willingness to share your faith, listen well and accompany another person as that person draws closer to Christ and His Church.

Serving as a sponsor can also become a meaningful opportunity to deepen your own understanding and practice of the Catholic faith.

Questions about RCIA?

Please contact the Holy Name Parish Office at office@holynamecalgary.ca . We would be pleased to speak with you about becoming Catholic, completing your Sacraments of Initiation, or serving as an RCIA sponsor.