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.
| Date | Topic |
| 6-Sep | Intro, Belief in God (CCC 26-73) |
| 13-Sep | Apostolic Tradition, Sacred Scripture, Revelation, Faith (CCC 74-184) |
| 20-Sep | Biblical History, Bible Timeline |
| 27-Sep | Trinity, God is Three, God is One (CCC 185-267) |
| 4-Oct | God the Father, Creator of Heaven and Earth (CCC 268-421) |
| 11-Oct | God the Son (CCC 422-486, 512-630) |
| 18-Oct | God the Son; God the Holy Spirit; Saints (CCC 631-682, 683-747) |
| 25-Oct | Holy Catholic Church (CCC 748-945, 946-962) |
| 1-Nov | NO CLASS: All Saints |
| 8-Nov | Forgiveness of sins, resurrection of body, judgment, eternal life, Liturgy, Sacraments (CCC 976-1065, 1066-1209, 1667-1679) |
| 15-Nov | Baptism, Confirmation (CCC 1210-1321) |
| 22-Nov | NO CLASS: Thanksgiving |
| 29-Nov | Eucharist (CCC 1322-1419) |
| 6-Dec | Blessed Virgin Mary, Rosary (CCC 487-511, 963-975) |
| 13-Dec | Penance, Anointing, Funerals (CCC 1420-1532, 1680-1690) |
| 20-Dec | Marriage (CCC 369-373, 1601-1666) |
| 27-Dec | NO CLASS |
| 3-Jan | NO CLASS |
| 10-Jan | Liturgical year, Church tour, Mass practice |
| 17-Jan | Orders, Religious Life (CCC 1533-1600, 914-933) |
| 24-Jan | Individual aspects of the Moral Life (CCC 1691-1876) |
| 31-Jan | Prayer, Universal Call to Holiness (CCC 2558-2758) |
| 7-Feb | Our Father, Hail Mary, other prayers, prepare for Lent (CCC 2759-2865) |
| 14-Feb | Ash Wednesday: NO CLASS |
| 21-Feb | Community and Moral Law, grace (CCC 1877-2051) |
| 28-Feb | Ten & Great Commandments, #1-3; Divine/Natural Law (CCC 2052-2195) |
| 6-Mar | Commandments 4, 5, 7, 8 (CCC 2196-2330, 2401-2463) |
| 13-Mar | Commandments 6, 9, 10 (CCC 2331-2400, 2464-2557) |
| 20-Mar | History of the Church, Preparation for confession |
| 27-Mar | Penance Service, Practice |
| 30-Mar | Easter Vigil (Saturday) |
| 10-Apr | Mystagogia |