RCIA

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; 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! 

RCIA classes are held Sunday mornings at 9am in the Parish Center Adult Education Rooms (#137-135)
 

RCIA will begin with an Orientation/Information meeting on Sunday, September 16th at 10am in the Parish Adult Ed rooms (#135/137).  Come find out what RCIA is, who it is for, what classes will look like, and meet the Team!  If you have already signed up for RCIA, you will receive your materials & schedule at this meeting.  Classes will then officially begin at 9am on Sunday, September 23rd in the Adult Education rooms.
 

“Alpha gives everyone the opportunity to explore the meaning of life in a relaxed, friendly setting.  It is for anyone; people attend from all backgrounds, religions, and viewpoints. They come to investigate questions about the existence of God, the purpose of life, the afterlife, the claims of Jesus and more. Some people want to get beyond religion and find a relationship with God that really changes life. Others come for the close, long-lasting friendships that are built during the Alpha course.”  (from www.alphausa.org) 
 

If you're on the fence about starting RCIA or Alpha, and cannot make the September 16th informational meeting, join us for the Alpha Introductory Dinner on Monday, Sept 17 at 6:30pm in the parish hall to find out what all this "Alpha" stuff is all about and decide from there if you'd like to continue either Sunday mornings in conjunction with RCIA (adult ed rooms) or Monday evenings in the Parish Hall.

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) 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.  Breakfast snacks are provided, as well as Childcare for children ages 18 months and up!

-What brought you to the RCIA?
     Curiosity about Catholicism. I was raised Baptist and growing up I was taught specifically that Catholics worship and pray to other idols. Having met many Catholics who I thought were wonderful people gave me a healthy dose of skepticism about what I had been previously taught. As a young adult I identified as agnostic, and studied world religion for 2 years in college. This gave me some objective viewpoints of Catholicism, making it more appealing. I went through my fair share of struggles, a single mother of 3 children and being in an abusive relationship. It took me 2 tries to leave my abuser and once I did I began to rebuild a life for my children and I. After some time I started dating someone who is Catholic and decided to feed that curiosity. I participated in Catholicism 101 and enjoyed the culture very much. I decided to continue on my journey of learning more and started RCIA.
 
-What was your experience being in the RCIA process & classes for those 8-9 months?
     Being in RCIA at St. Gerard instantly felt like I belonged. Every week in class we would learn something new about Catholicism, and build on what we had learned the week before. We had special guest speakers who had messages that spoke right to my heart. We would pray together, sing together, read scripture and have a chance to interpret together over fresh coffee, donuts and fruit! I always felt safe within the group to share and be real. The group leaders did a great job creating a nurturing environment. 
 
-How does it feel now that you’ve been Catholic for 1 yr 3mo?
     It feels magical. Being baptized was the most important day of my life. Letting go of all the baggage I was carrying around my whole life allows me to be even more committed to the Lord. Even on bad days I know that the lord has a plan, and I feel my faith soar. I feel challenged to serve the Lord, my family and my community with all that I do. As a Registered Nurse I have a unique opportunity to serve others on a regular basis. Having a new outlook on life gives me a fresh set of eyes with which to see my patient's spiritual distress and better serve them. My family and I pray together daily. Being a parent, I look to the Lord for guidance and focus on helping my children build character. My children are now attending St. Gerard School and have grown so much from the amazing teachers and curriculum. I am looking forward to receiving the sacrament of marriage in October. Looking back at the life that I accepted as "normal" before seems like a bad dream. I would never take back becoming Catholic.
 
-What advice or encouragement do you have for anyone who might be thinking about becoming Catholic but is afraid to take the step?
     Keep an open mind and do not let fear keep you from making the best decision of your life. RCIA is a safe environment to make yourself vulnerable. Do not wait- your future self will thank you for it!
-Abigail Hart (RCIA class of 2017)

I grew up in a small town north of Grand Rapids called Cedar Springs. My parents agreed that I would be raised making my own choices on religion. Flash-forward to 2016: I met my future wife Kaylee.  Right from the start I knew she was the one. She brought God into my life clearer than ever. I often think of it as getting a new pair of glasses you don’t realize how blind you really are until you see through them for the first time. Kaylee would talk about God and pray to him and I found that it really brought peace into her life and mine. Quietly I started searching for ways to get closer to God and have my questions answered. A quick Google search and I found St. Gerard was holding a RCIA class. I thought, perfect! From the start Mary and the entire RCIA team was so noticeably caring, compassionate, educated and helpful that I looked forward to going to class every Sunday.  I thank God for my teachers and my experience at St. Gerard often. If you’re on edge and don’t know if RCIA is something that will help you, take that leap of faith and you will be happy you did; I know I am!
-Koady Kindy (RCIA class of 2018)