Each year on Holy Saturday during the Easter Vigil, thousands of men and women are received into the Catholic Church in the United States. Shrine of True Cross welcomes new members through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) and at a liturgy bringing men and women into full communion with the Catholic Church. Listed below are some questions and answers about RCIA at the Shrine of the True Cross:

1. What is RCIA?

RCIA provides the means of coming into full communion with the Catholic Church for men and women who are baptized Christians but not Roman Catholics. These individuals make a profession of faith but are not baptized again. To prepare for this reception, the people, who are called "candidates," participate in the RCIA classes to help them understand and experience the teachings and practices of the Catholic Church. Some preparation may be with individuals preparing for baptism, but the preparation for candidates is different since they have already been baptized and committed to Jesus Christ, and many have also been active members of other Christian communities. (USCCB)

2. Who should I contact to answer my questions and to participate in the Shrine of True Cross RCIA?

Call Antonio Urbina at (281) 337-3130.

3. Where and when do the RCIA classes meet?

Our Shrine of the True Cross classes are held in the Middle School Room 202, on Tuesday from 7:00 to 8:30 pm.

4. If I am married outside of the Catholic Church, may I become a Catholic?

Definitely. We have many RCIA candidates who may have been married in other Christian denominations or by a Justice of the Peace.