"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me."
Revelation 3:20

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (often abbreviated RCIA) is the process through which interested adults and older children are gradually introduced to the Roman Catholic faith and way of life. 


St. Martha's uses Foundations in Faith as our resource guide.  The Second Vatican Council clearly mandates that catechesis be wedded to the Word of God as experienced in the Sunday liturgy.  The RCIA provides a structure that incorporates the preaching and teaching of the gospel, prayer, spiritual direction, and catechesis (handing on the tradition of the Church) and personal contact with members of the local parish.
The period of catechumenate is an ongoing, year-round process.  Those entering the process of RCIA begin with the Rite of Acceptance or Rite of Welcome and conclude with the Rite of Election.


Those involved in RCIA are dismissed shortly after the homily at the 9 am Sunday Mass and assemble together with a catechist and sponsors for catechesis during the remainder of the liturgical celebration.  They also commit to another catechetical session during the week.

The Christian Initiation process calls for each inquirer to have a sponsor. Sponsors are active members of the parish community who serve as guides to those going through RCIA. You extend, in a personal way, the parish community’s welcome and support by sharing the joy and faith, the personal stories, struggles, and insights of your own faith and sense of belonging to the church.


Please call your Parish Office at 403-381-8891 to inquire about RCIA or to be a sponsor to someone who has decided to be part of this faith journey.