Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

RCIA is a series of classes and ceremonies whereby adults (18 and over) from other religions (Christian and non-Christian) or with no religious background can learn about the Catholic Faith and become Catholic themselves. The classes are also open to adult Catholics who did not receive Confirmation as a child. Classes are lecture and discussion based, with emphasis on the official Catechism and teachings of the Church, the Bible, and Sacred Tradition, but are generally informal in nature. Depending on the particular case, RCIA culminates either with the Sacraments of Initiation for New Catholics at the Easter Vigil, or with the reception of Confirmation from Bishop Lori according to his schedule.