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 18, 2019 and run through Easter. Classes are held in the School Library on Wednesdays from 7 to 8 PM. 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.
| Date | Topic |
| 9/18/19 | Intro, Belief in God |
| 9/25/19 | Apostolic Tradition, Sacred Scripture, Revelation, Faith |
| 10/2/19 | Biblical History, Bible Timeline |
| 10/9/19 | Trinity, God is Three, God is One |
| 10/16/19 | God the Father, Creator of Heaven and Earth |
| 10/23/19 | God the Son |
| 10/30/19 | God the Son (pt 2); God the Holy Spirit; Saints |
| 11/6/19 | Holy Catholic Church |
| 11/13/19 | Forgiveness of sins, resurrection of the body, judgment, life everlasting |
| 11/20/19 | Liturgical Year, Church tour, Mass practice
Rite of acceptance into the Catechumenate |
| 11/27/19 | NO CLASS (Thanksgiving) |
| 12/4/19 | Blessed Virgin Mary, Rosary |
| 12/11/19 | Liturgy, Sacraments, Sacramentals |
| 12/18/19 | NO CLASS (Penance Service) |
| 1/8/20 | Baptism, Confirmation |
| 1/15/20 | Eucharist, Orders |
| 1/22/20 | Penance, Anointing, Funerals |
| 1/29/20 | Marriage, Religious Life |
| 2/5/20 | Moral life: free will, desire for happiness, passions, good and evil acts |
| 2/12/20 | Virtues, sin and vice, Morality in society |
| 2/19/20 | Prayer, Universal Call to Holiness, Prepare for Lent |
| 2/26/20 | Ash Wednesday: NO CLASS |
| 3/4/20 | Ten & Great Commandments, Divine & Natural Law; Commandments 1-3 |
| 3/11/20 | Commandments 4, 5, 7, 8 |
| 3/18/20 | Commandments 6, 9, 10 |
| 3/25/20 | Our Father, Hail Mary, other prayers |
| 4/1/20 | Review, Precepts of the Church |
| 4/8/20 | Penance Service, Practice |
| 4/11/20 | Easter Vigil |