The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the liturgical, intellectual and pastoral approach for adults seeking to join our Catholic faith.

Over this past  year, several adults have been meeting virtually weekly to explore our Catholic Faith with an online RCIA Team community. At the beginning of Lent, there is an RCIA Rite marking the beginning of the immediate preparation for their celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and the  Eucharist) during Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday, April 3, 2021.

The Elect for Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist, and the Candidates for full communion and Catholics completing their Sacraments of Initiation, all would have gathered at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception with thousands of others from around the Archdiocese of Washington to celebrate the RCIA Rite of Election and Continuing Conversion. As part of a Cathedral custom, we would have enjoyed a dinner together at a nearby restaurant following the Rite at the Basilica.

But not this year - due to the pervasive nature of COVID-19, only three of us will represent the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle Spanish and English RCIA groups during this year’s Rite of Election and Continuing Conversion at the Basilica on Sunday February 21, the First Sunday of Lent, at 2pm.

Click here to read a message to catechumens and candidates from Cardinal Gregory contained in the program, which includes an invitation to join Sunday's celebration via the livestream, below.

Let us continue to pray for these dedicated and committed people as their continue their journey of faith to Jesus and the Catholic faith!