Since 1988 the RCIA has been mandated as the ordinary way adults are brought into full communion with the Catholic faith, whether from another Christian denomination or through baptism.  The RCIA is designed to be a progressive journey of faith and a recurrent experience of conversion not only for the inquirer but also for the whole Catholic community.

     The formation of new members is a communal responsibility.  It encompasses each phase of parish life:  witnessing, praying together, studying Scripture, sharing liturgy and fellowship.  Although the primary aim of the RCIA is the formation of new Catholics, a parish in which the RCIA flourishes experiences additional benefits.  In its gradual unfolding, the RCIA process calls to mind the challenge and responsibility of every Catholic.  It gives parishioners a deeper sense of what conversion means and emphasizes the Church's identity as a community of faith and the people of God.

     Catholics within St. Andrew's parish community can become involved in the RCIA by being sponsors, working on the RCIA team, sharing personal faith stories, and actively searching for those who have no faith community or identity.

     The RCIA is a gradual process that embodies the elements of a growing relationship with Our Lord.  Through four specific phases - evangelization or precatechumenate; catechumenate; purification and enlightenment; and mystagogy - the inquirers move from casual acquaintance to full commitment.  The process can take from several months to a couple years to complete.

     The RCIA process for adults meets every Tuesday evening from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. in the parish center.  The RCIA for Children process meets every Sunday morning from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m. in the parish center.  The RCIA for Teens process meets several times a month on Sunday afternoon from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. in the parish center.  Please call the parish office for the exact dates for the RCIA for Teens sessions.

     On the first Tuesday of every month, the adult RCIA group meets for a BBQ/potluck in the parish center.  All RCIA participants (adults, teens, and children along with their families) are invited to attend.  This is a great opportunity for the inquirers to meet other St. Andrew's parishioners in a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere of good food and fun to share their faith stories.