FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ABOUT THE RCIA PROCESS AT ST. THOMAS MORE

Q: What if I am not sure if I want to become Catholic; what if I want to learn more as I decide if the Catholic Church is right for me?   
A: Then RCIA is the right place for you.  We will provide you with information and answer your questions while you come to your own decision. 

Q: Is there any cost to participate in RCIA?
A: No, none at all.

Q:  When does RCIA meet?
A:  The sessions are held on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.  There are no accommodations for children as this is an adult format.

Q: How long does it take to become Catholic?
A: Becoming Catholic is a life-long journey; the RCIA provides a process of education, experience, formation, and discerment which prepares you for initiation into the Church. At St. Thomas More, RCIA begins with the Open House the last Wednesday of August and ends at the end of May.

Q:  Isn't there a quicker way to become Catholic?  Why does it take so long?
A:  One would not meet someone and get married on the first date or join a club without knowing something about what they believe and represent.  No one would decide to be a carpenter or electrician without learning something about those professions.  So too, why would someone want to become a member of the Catholic Church without understanding our history, traditions, beliefs and practices?  The first decision is whether you want to commit to learning about what it is to be Catholic - the decision to become a member comes after you have what is needed to make that decision.  In the early Church, those who wished to be Christian were "apprenticed" for three years by living in a Christian household.  So this IS the "quickest" way.

Q: What is a sponsor?
A: A sponsor is a practicing Catholic (at a minimum, attends Mass regularly) who has received the three Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation), and who is not your parent.  Ideally, your sponsor would not be your spouse or fiancé, but we will evaluate this on a case-by-case basis. If you know a member of the parish you would like as your sponsor please ask them.  If not, we can assign a parish sponsor for you.

Q:  What does a sponsor do?
A:  A sponsor is a spiritual companion and support on the journey who serves as a mentor in the Christian life.  It is important that they be actively practicing their faith in order for them to share that faith with you. Sponsors attend the Wednesday evening sessions and are present for the various Rites as well as attend the full-day retreat held during Lent.

Q:  How do I get started?
A:  Contact the Coordinator of RCIA, Linda McEwan at lmcewan@stthomasmorechurch.org or call 847-888-1682.  A time will be set up to meet with you one-on-one to answer some questions for us and for us to answer your questions.