"Faith Formation" is infused in all programs and activities the Mission and Ministry Center provides.  Through personal sacramental preparation, academic partnerships, discussions and dialogue, the Mission and Ministry Center is attentive to our Catholic heritage and tradition, each person’s faith and religious traditions, and those who are seeking support in their spiritual development.

The area of Faith Formation in the Mission and Ministry Center provides a focus on the sacramental preparation process, academic partnerships, and ecumenical and inter-faith dialogue.

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

The Mission and Ministry Center has the privilege to accompany members of the Saint Mary’s Community in their sacramental preparation on their personal journeys of faith.  Sacramental Preparation, called the Rite of Christian Initiative of Adults (RCIA), enables an individual to grow in faith while becoming a full member of the Catholic Church.  The term RCIA stands for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults that originated in the earliest traditions of the Church for welcoming new members into the Catholic community. RCIA consists of a series of stages of preparation, as well as rites (rituals), which take place over at a minimum one academic year.

RCIA is for you if:

  • You were never baptized OR are a baptized Christian but who wish to become a member of the Catholic Church. 
  • You are a baptized Catholic but are uneducated in the faith and wish to prepare to receive the Sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation
  • You are active in your Catholic faith already and wish to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.

The RCIA and Confirmation programs are designed not only to prepare participants for the Sacraments but to help them develop a deeper relationship with God. The preparation process can be easily summed up in five words: Pray, Question, Reflect, Serve,  Together.   Candidates meet weekly to pray, discuss a shared text, and build a community of support for each other on this journey of discernment and commitment.  Together, we will participate in a retreat and put our faith into action using our talents by serving others.  Each participant is asked to select a sponsor who provides guidance and support during the preparation process as well as the encouragement to continue to grow in faith afterward.

Explore the Catholic Faith

www.nccbuscc.org
www.oakdiocese.org
www.americancatholic.org

Explore Issues from a Faith Perspective

www.crs.org
www.networklobby.org
www.paxchristi.org
www.faithfulcitizenship.org
Find a faith home while here in the East Bay.
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Saint Mary's College of California
1928 Saint Mary's Road
Moraga, CA 94575
(925) 631-4000
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