Adult Baptism

There are four basic steps in what is called "RCIA" or the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults: (1) Inquiry, (2) the Catechumenate, (3) Purification and Enlightenment, and (4) Mystagogy.

In the first step, a person has the opportunity to ask detailed questions about who God is, what Jesus is all about, and what it means to be a follower of his; this period continues until the person has decided that they truly want to be formed in the Catholic faith.

The longest of the steps is the second, where a person goes deeper into the faith by learning about it and by trying to live it out; it is through this process that they must discern within their heart whether or not they truly wish to become Catholic.

Once someone is ready to fully commit to being Catholic, they begin the third step, which ordinarily takes place during the season of Lent. It is a time of intense prayer, reflection, and preparation for encountering God in the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion.

Finally, there is the fourth step marked by full participation in the life of the Church; although the period of this steps is associated with the first year after full initiation at Easter, it marks the rest of our lives as Catholics as we go over deeper into the mystery of God.

Catholics believe that anyone baptized with flowing water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit is validly baptized and already a Christian. As such, they exist in a real, though imperfect, communion with the Catholic Church; as such, they are welcomed not with another baptism but with entering into full communion with the Catholic Church.

For someone who was baptized outside of the Catholic Church to enter into this full communion, a profession of faith is required, followed by the completion of the Sacraments of Initiation (namely, Confirmation and First Communion). Instruction is still necessary so that the profession of faith can be made in an informed manner and the sacraments can be received fruitfully, something which may require more or less time depending on the individual’s situation.

The first and best thing to do is to contact Deacon Chris Sandner using the form above. He will then set up a time to meet with you and invite you to the RCIA classes which are generally held on at St. Mark's on Sunday evenings at 6:00 PM when UCSB is in session. The parish looks forward to meeting you and hearing about your journey to the faith! Welcome! 

Only to expect the unexpected. God is full of surprises! And if we follow where He leads, we are bound to find them!

It is important to realize that in order to receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation), you must attend the Rite of Election, the Rite of Acceptance, the RCIA Retreat experience (which is held off-campus), and the Easter Vigil. Remember that classes meet on Sundays at 6:00pm, so please note these dates in your calendar carefully as they too are required.

The short answer is maybe, and that is why the best thing to do is to get in contact with Deacon Chris as soon as possible!

For instance, some students are preparing to marry a Catholic and so wish to join the RCIA program because they want to have the same faith as their spouse; we rejoice in such a choice, and we just ask that you let Deacon Chris know about this plan in your first meeting so that we can make sure that all the dates and details are coordinated.

If you have been married civilly before or if you were married and then divorced, please discuss your particular situation with Deacon Chris Sandner as soon as possible, so that the parish can best serve you in your particular situation and in your desire to come to the Catholic faith.