RCIA: Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

For adults, the way to join the Catholic Church is a process called RCIA. RCIA stands for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. RCIA is intended for just about anyone and everyone: baptized or not; seekers and doubters; people who don't even want be become Catholic but just want to understand more about the faith of their Catholic spouse or friend; even Catholics who have fallen away and would like to return. In short, RCIA is for you!

No matter where you are in your journey of faith, there is a place for you here with us. Don't be afraid to take that first step.  Come, see for yourself what we are all about! 

We had a few adjustments to make due to COVID, but we had a wonderful celebration!  Check out our year in review in the video below...

RCIA is the process where adults explore the Catholic Faith in a non-judgmental setting.  There is no pressure to join and classes are open to anybody out of high school and over the age of 18. 
We will begin IN-PERSON classes on Sunday, September 27th with some adjustments on seat spacing to ensure social distancing, the wearing of masks, disinfecting the room before and after class, and offering individually wrapped snacks (more COVID-friendly). 
Online classes via Zoom are also available for those who are unable to attend in person due to being in a high risk category, if you or a family member are ill, or you have been exposed and are in quarantine.
(Scroll down for the Zoom information.)
Please contact Mary Peacock with any questions, concerns or to register for RCIA!
Either fill out the information on this page (I will email or call you back),
email me at mpeacock@stgerard.org,
 or call my direct line at the Parish Office at 517-908-4744. 

1. What brought you to the RCIA classes?  What was your faith background prior to taking RCIA?

• Prior to RCIA, I was always a Christian. We had a great church we went to, but once we left, we struggled to find a place we were comfortable in and just fell out of the habit of attending church on Sundays. 

2. What was your experience being in the RCIA process & classes for all of those months?

• I had a great experience in RCIA! I did it in preparation for my wedding this summer. In the beginning, I knew it was important to my fiancé and his family, but was able to learn more about the religion and really grew to understand what makes Catholicism different than other facets of Christianity. It will make decisions about our kids’ religion so much easier, and our eventual family can all enjoy mass together as Catholics.  While COVID did make my experience different, it was amazing how supportive and flexible everyone at St. Gerard was to accommodate everyone who wanted to go through the process. I got my own personal Confirmation to ensure it was completed before my wedding, and I was so appreciative that the virus didn’t stop us from coming together in a small group to celebrate becoming a member of the Catholic Church. 

3. What advice or encouragement do you have for anyone who might be thinking about becoming Catholic but is unsure about taking that step?

• My advice to anyone looking to become Catholic is just come to RCIA and check it out! We always had a decision to move forward with the process, take time away if we needed it, or leave if we felt that was the best choice for us. You’ll never know if you don’t try! Just because you start the classes doesn’t mean you have to go through the confirmation that year. Take your time and meet up with the class! At the very least, you’ll meet some great people and learn a little bit along the way.

Mary Peacock is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: RCIA Sessions at St. Gerard Parish, Lansing MI
Time: Weekly beginning Sep 27, 2020 10:30 AM Eastern 
Click the button below to join the Zoom meeting:
RCIA Zoom Session

Meeting ID: 831 6036 5887
Passcode: MTZb57

If joining via phone: dial by your location-
        +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
        +1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)
        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
        +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Meeting ID: 831 6036 5887
Passcode: 736540