Then we invite you to come and be part of our RCIA journey. Read the brief outline below. We'll be glad to call and extend a personal invitation and to answer any of your questions.

Each year, many people come to a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ through the Catholic Church. The RICA process here at St. Mark's provides a personal, gentle, guided journey for those adults wishing to learn more about and join in full communion with the Church as new members or people seeking to return to the church The modern RICA is modeled after the Catechumenate practices of the early Church when adults who sought entry proceeded through various stages of growth and formation.

Here at St. Mark's, our team members, Catechumens (those not yet Baptized) and candidates (Baptized in another faith) meet together each Monday evening at 7:00 P.M. for 90 minutes. In these meetings, led by our pastor, our deacons or members of our parish community. We share prayer, faith experiences, study Church teachings, traditions and beliefs. In addition to these meetings, there are periodic liturgical rites which are celebrated as the Catechumens and candidates proceed to an understanding of faith and love as Catholic men and women to be.

In 1988 the Catholic Bishops of the United States directed that adults wishing to become Catholics do so as set forth in the RICA (Rite of Initiation for Christian Adults) process. The process stresses the connection between the three sacraments of Christian initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. At the annual Easter Vigil mass, the elect (adults who have completed the process and make the decision to become Catholic) are welcomed into the church with the reception of these sacraments of initiation.

The members of our RCIA team want to help you answer the question: "To what may be God Calling you?" We are committed to helping you on your journey and look forward to speaking with you.