RCIA: Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

For adults, the way to join the Catholic Church is a process called RCIA* (*recently updated to OCIA, the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. We will continue calling it RCIA for the time being, though, since that is the more familiar abbreviation). 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! 

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. 
Snacks and coffee are provided.
Our regular sessions for those preparing to join the Catholic Church through the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and/or Confirmation are held Sunday mornings beginning on September 17th!

Please contact Mary Peacock with any questions, 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. 

Born in Cuba at a time when many were persecuted both for their political and religious ideas, then I did not have the happiness of being baptized or of experiencing what it is to live with the faith of God.
My grandmother always had saints at home, praying cards, and a photo of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and she was very devoted to Saint Lazarus. I remember that she paid homage to him on the 17th of each month and on December 17 she visited the sanctuary to which she took me on two occasions, that I remember.
That's how I grew up, until when I was almost an adult, somehow one day I had a test of faith, without knowing or understanding what had happened. I think that was the beginning of my faith and since then I began to cultivate it, although I don't think I realized it until many years later.
When I met my husband, who is Catholic, the church was not so prohibited. I attended mass for the first time with him. We did not go regularly but we did not miss the "Misa del Gallo", Christmas Eve Mass. I don't remember seeing a true Catholic community in Cuba, at least in my town and I never knew anything about programs like RCIA either.
I came to the US a little over 19 years ago with my husband and two kids. Then many things changed for us, freedom was something new for us. We could finally do whatever we want. For me, one of those things on my to-do list was to get baptized and join the Catholic church. But I was in Michigan, and I didn't know much English. So, I guess it wasn't my priority. Still, whenever I would talk to a Catholic, I would mention that I was “Catholic by heart” because I felt that way, but I wasn't baptized, and I only knew a little about it. Among the many people I met was Kira, who is now my godmother. She helped me take my first steps years ago.
The final decision came to me by the power of the Holy Spirit, I would say. Like so many other things that have happened in my life. It all started when my friends and family decided to do this year 2023, "El Camino de Santiago” (St. James Way). I thought I had to be Catholic to get the full experience. And that was my wish, but before I knew it, I was telling [my friend] Johnny all about my trip and my idea about getting baptized and he mentioned the RCIA program at St. Gerard. He recommended talking to Mary and going from there. 
I set up my meeting with Mary and suddenly everything started falling into place. She even talked to me about Lucrecia [RCIA team member fluent in Spanish], and how she was available to help me with the language if I needed it. But to be honest it felt right from the beginning. The support of the entire team and the group of people that were there was great. 
I started going to classes every Sunday, at first, I thought: "Every Sunday for eight to nine months will be a lot". But, right after classes started, I realized that every week I was looking forward to Sunday for the next class. I couldn't wait to get back together with the rest of the catechumens and candidates for another lesson with all the beautiful people who were teaching us. I will always be grateful that the RCIA team went the extra mile to give me the material in Spanish as much as possible, it was a plus for me. I found the class very useful, as it gave us a foundation on Catholicism with general concepts and taught us some tools to get started, like finding support in the word of God or the power of prayers.
During the entire journey, I had many emotional moments along the way, even sometimes during classes. But one of the most emotional moments for me was when my husband and I renewed our vows. After almost 28 years of marriage and having my children as witnesses to validate our marriage in front of God. I was there not expecting anything out of the ordinary, but there was something that felt AMAZING. It was a feeling of confirmation that our love is real and truly blessed, I felt God’s presence and it was very emotional. There are no words to explain that feeling of being truly blessed. 
The entire Holy week was beautiful. I went to mass every day from Holy Thursday, where my feet were washed, until Easter Vigil. It was my second time at the Easter Vigil with the only difference being that this time I was finally getting baptized. My family, godmother and friends were there with me. I felt very blessed, and the ceremony was beautiful. I don't think anything I would say here honors how I felt and how beautifully special that day was for me and the happiness I felt at that moment when I was baptized.
After my experience, I would encourage anyone who has been thinking about becoming a Catholic or just learning about the Catholic faith, not to be afraid to join the class instead of waiting years wondering if they should do it or not, as I did. At the end of the day, there are only 3 outcomes that could happen. First, it's not for you, so you walk away but at least you know what it's all about. Second, you are not ready for it, maybe you need a little more time to prepare. And third, you are ready, and YOU WILL GO FOR IT!!!
I never felt pressure to become a Catholic just because I went to the meetings, and that was a great feeling, even when I knew I would go all for it. I had no doubts about becoming a Catholic.
I always felt catholic, and I knew that my faith came from there, I could always feel it when entering a church and even with the simple fact of making the cross.
Now, every Sunday I confirm that I made the right decision. I feel calm because I know that God is always with me, and I have faith that he will help me and teach me the correct path to follow.
                                                                               -Annia Nodarse (RCIA 2023)