Interested in the Catholic Faith?
Never Received First Communion? Never Been Confirmed?
Then Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is for you!
The RCIA is the process for interested persons gradually to become fully initiated members of the Catholic Church. It has its origins in the earliest centuries of the Church as a way for welcoming new members into the Catholic community. The RCIA is primarily about growing in faith as we respond to the words of Jesus: “Come, follow me.”
There are many reasons why some Catholics have never received the Sacraments of First Communion or Confirmation. Whatever your reason, now may be the time for you to answer the invitation of Jesus to deepen your faith life. Or perhaps you are not Catholic but the example of family members or the influence of friends has awakened a desire in you to examine the beliefs and teachings of the Catholic Church.
RCIA provides you an opportunity to grow in your faith and in your knowledge of the Catholic tradition. Weekly meetings, led by the Chaplain and others, provide an opportunity for prayer, study and discussion. These meetings, combined with the experience of worshipping with the American University Catholic Community, all work together to help you find your spiritual home.
Who is RCIA at AU for?
1. Students, faculty & staff who do not identify with any particular faith but are searching and wish to explore whether Catholicism might be right for you.
2. Students, faculty and staff in need of Baptism.
3. Students, faculty and staff baptized in another Christian tradition who desire to become Catholic.
4. Students, faculty and staff baptized Catholic in need of First Communion and/or Confirmation.
If any of the above describe you, we invite you to enroll in the RCIA Program. Please visit the Catholic Chaplain’s Office in the lower level of the Kay Center, or email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.
If you are not a student currently enrolled at American University, or a member of its staff or faculty, but you are still interested in this program, we will assist you in finding one of the many fine parish-based programs in the area.
Weekly meetings will be held Thursdays in the Kay Lounge, from 7-8:30 PM.
The Introductory Meeting will be Thursday, September 23rd.
Come, let us follow Him together.
