Right of Christian Initiation for Adults, Joining the Catholic Church. Nashville, Tennessee.
The RCIA ministry at the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Nashville, Tennessee.

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) is the way in which the Catholic church guides those wishing to become Catholic, as well as those wanting to learn more about the Catholic faith.  At the Cathedral the RCIA group meets each Thursday, with the exception of holidays, in the main church building, the sanctuary.  The climax of the process comes when those who choose to do so are confirmed and baptized (if necessary) into the Catholic Church.

Our Thursday evening sessions begin promptly at 7PM and close promptly at 8:30PM.  Normally, the flow of the weekly sessions are; a song, a prayer, a scripture reading, and a speaker.  Speakers may include our own Father Kibby, one of our deacons, or a carefully selected guest speaker.  Each week brings a new topic concerning facets of conversion, the Catholic faith, and the journey of our inquirers as they grow closer to God.

Four to six weeks after the RCIA process begins, each inquirer is assigned a sponsor. 
This sponsor is not to be confused with a baptismal or confirmation sponsor.  The RCIA sponsor is a practicing Catholic, usually a member of this parish, who goes through the sessions and rites (ceremonies) of the process with the inquirer, serving as a friend and mentor.  Click here for an overview of the rites and ceremonies.

It’s important to note that there is no pressure by the RCIA team upon inquirers, and that there is no charge for the RCIA sessions. 
"A person who is considering the possibility of becoming a Catholic, or who simply wishes to learn more about the Catholic Church, will find no better way to do this than to become a part of the Cathedral RCIA."
- Fr. William Fleming

Conversion is a serious matter of conscience; it is a matter of rejecting who and what we were to take on a new spiritual identity.  It is NOT rejecting a bad life and opting for a new and good one. 
To convert is to grow in one’s understanding of his or her relationship with God and to act upon that new understanding when his/ her conscience compels them to do so.  In one sense, everyone should be continually converting, or growing closer to God. 

If you have further questions or would like information on when our next RCIA session begins please contact our director,



Becoming a Catholic in Nashville, Tennessee. Learn more about the Catholic faith.
© Cathedral of the Incarnation RCIA.
Christian Initiation for Adults in Nashville, Tennessee.
Rite of Welcome.  December 2006.
 
   Our FALL 2007 - SPRING 2008
RCIA session is now underway!

There may still be time for you to join this group.  Please contact the RCIA director or sign up here.
 
Saint Albert Hall, our normal meeting location, and many other parts of the church are under renovation.
RCIA meetings for this session will be held in the main building, sanctuary, of the church, AND when announced, in the Fleming Center.  Please enter through the rear doors when entering the sanctuary.