The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults is the process by which non-Catholics discover and embrace the fullness of truth in the Catholic Church and "cradle Catholics" are given the oppourtunity to grow in knoeledge of their Faith. The RCIA program at Holy Cross is tailored to the needs of the person(s) interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith.
RCIA is open to anyone interested in becoming Catholic, including those who have never been baptized, baptized Catholics who have never received the Eucharist, and those who have been baptized in other Christian denominations and wish to find out more about Catholicism. Adult Catholics who receive the Eucharist but have never been confirmed are also encouraged to get information on the Diocese of Corpus Christi’s Adult Confirmation program.
Following early Christian practice and the current Catechism of the Catholic Church, the RCIA covers the Creed (what we believe), Seven Sacraments (how we worship and receive God's grace), God's Commandments (how we live our lives), and Prayer (our communication with God). Participants attend Sunday Mass and meet regularly to grow in wisdom and grace as they reflect on the weekly Scripture readings, prayer, sharing, and Catholic teachings.
The formal liturgical Rites of Christian Initiation take place during the season of Lent (the 40-day period of preparation before Good Friday) and participants who are ready to become Catholic are received into the Church at the Easter Vigil. There is no charge to participate in RCIA.