Becoming a Catholic

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults


For further information, please contact Fr. Bob Epping, CSC at (719) 633-8711 ext. 110 or e-mail repping@tricommunity.org.

The RCIA is the formal process by which an individual becomes a member of the Roman Catholic Church. Although the RCIA program has a set time frame and is comprised of several distinct periods and steps on the journey towards full initiation, it is recognized that people enter the RCIA process from different starting points. The RCIA is for adults who:
  • have never been baptized and desire to investigate the Catholic faith;
  • have been baptized in a Christian, but not Catholic, denomination, who are considering becoming Catholic;
  • were baptized Catholic but never received Confirmation, First Penance or First Communion, and now wish to complete their initiation and become active Catholics;
  • have never been fully initiated but now wish to return to a more active faith life and refresh their knowledge of Catholic belief and practice.
Adult RCIA meetings are held on Tuesdays from 7:00-9:00 p.m., beginning in early September and continuing through Pentecost Sunday.

Volunteers are always welcome and needed as sponsors for those joining the Church and for the catechumenate team.


RCIA for Children (through Grade 5)

Contact: Sr. Patricia King, FMA at 633-8711 ext. 104.

Full initiation into the Church occurs in stages and includes celebration of the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation. The initiation process is meant to respect the developmental nature of faith growth. It incorporates the catechetical and liturgical stages in a process that allows children to become sensitive to God’s invitation to love, to become familiar with the teachings of the Church, and to experience the community dimension of Church. Tri-Community parishioners share this journey of faith through their prayer, witness and companionship.

Children who have reached catechetical age (usually the age of 7) are appropriate candidates for the RCIA process (adapted for children). Children should also be enrolled in Religious Formation classes appropriate for their age.


RCIA for Youth (Grades 6-12)

Contact: Rob Plush at (719) 633-8711 ext. 105.

“Inquiry” classes are open to any youth who is:
  • interested in learning more about the Catholic faith;
  • youth who are not Catholic but wish to further explore the faith;
  • youth who need to receive the sacraments—Baptism, First Reconciliation and/or First Eucharist.
Confirmation candidates may wish to supplement their faith exploration with these classes.

Classes are held in addition to the regularly scheduled Youth Ministry activities on Wednesday evenings. Class content includes: Faith Issues, Catholic Identity and the Privilege of Being Catholic, Forms of Prayer, Scripture, Sacraments, Church Tradition, and History.

Sacramental Prep and Inquiry students are strongly encouraged to participate in their peer community events in Youth Ministry—including parish, regional and diocesan events, as well as Tri-Community service projects.