The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the program offered to non-Catholics who are interested in learning more about the Catholic Church. Children over the age of 7 also participate in a similar program adapted to their age (RCIC).
Classes begin on September 16, 2020 and run through Easter. Because of social distancing, classes are held in the parish hall (in the basement of the church) on Wednesdays from 7:00 to 8:00 PM. Please use the parking lot door to enter. Everyone is welcome to attend any class, including Catholics who want to learn more about their faith. A list of individual topics for each class will be posted in the bulletin.
Those who want to join the Catholic Church are invited to choose a Catholic sponsor (or godparent) who will assist them through the program. Sponsors are encouraged to attend RCIA classes with their candidates.
For those who will become Catholic, the program concludes at the Easter Vigil when candidates are baptized or, if they are already baptized Christians, make their profession of faith.
Every parishioner is invited to be an ambassador for St. Thomas Parish. You have a critical role, since you may know other persons among your friends or family who should think about becoming Catholic. We need your help to recommend candidates who should take part.
Please find below the schedule of classes. The “CCC Paragraph” numbers refer to the paragraphs in the Catechism of the Catholic Church where this material is found.
View the recordings of the RCIA classes here
| Date | Topic |
| Sep 21 | Intro, Belief in God |
| Sep 28 | Apostolic Tradition, Sacred Scripture, Revelation, Faith |
| Oct 5 | Biblical History, Bible Timeline |
| Oct 12 | Trinity, God is Three, God is One |
| Oct 19 | God the Father, Creator of Heaven and Earth |
| Oct 26 | God the Son |
| Nov 2 | God the Son; God the Holy Spirit; Saints |
| Nov 9 | Holy Catholic Church |
| Nov 16 | Forgiveness of sins, resurrection of body, judgment, eternal life, Liturgy, Sacraments |
| Nov 23 | NO CLASS: Thanksgiving |
| Nov 30 | Baptism, Confirmation |
| Dec 7 | Blessed Virgin Mary, Rosary |
| Dec 14 | Eucharist |
| Dec 21 | NO CLASS |
| Dec 28 | NO CLASS |
| Jan 4 | Liturgical year, Church tour, Mass practice |
| Jan 11 | Marriage |
| Jan 18 | Orders, Religious Life |
| Jan 25 | Penance, Anointing, Funerals |
| Feb 1 | Individual aspects of the Moral Life |
| Feb 8 | Prayer, Universal Call to Holiness |
| Feb 15 | Our Father, Hail Mary, other prayers, prepare for Lent |
| Feb 22 | Ash Wednesday: NO CLASS |
| Mar 1 | Community and Moral Law, grace |
| Mar 8 | Ten & Great Commandments, #1-3; Divine/Natural Law |
| Mar 15 | Commandments 4, 5, 7, 8 |
| Mar 22 | Commandments 6, 9, 10 |
| Mar 29 | History of the Church, Preparation for confession |
| Apr 5 | Penance Service, Practice |
| Apr 8 | Easter Vigil (Saturday) |
| Apr 19 | Mystagogia |