St. Francis offers the RCIA Program
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a process through which adults learn about the teachings of Jesus as the Catholic Church has handed them on and put these teachings into practice by living as part of the Catholic community, serving others and praying.

RCIA is for three groups of people: Those who have never been baptized in any faith, people who were baptized in another Christian faith, and Baptized Catholics who have never received the Sacraments of Eucharist or Confirmation.

Come and see.” John 1:39-41
Please contact Fr. Greg for more information.

In 2024, we had a wonderful group of candidates, from many different backgrounds, situations, and age groups. 

As part of the Rite of Christian Initial for Adults, catechumens are sent by their parishes as a public pronouncement that they are ready to enter a covenant relationship through participation in the sacramental life of the Church. In our Diocese, this is done through their presentation to the bishop in a ceremony conducted at the Cathedral in Paterson. Those who are sent can then be received. The bishop attends the Rite of Election, accepts the parish community’s judgment, receives the catechumens and invites them to enter their names in the Book of the Elect. 

This year we had five Elect. They were all be baptized at the Easter Vigil. They received First Eucharist and were Confirmed as well. We also had two candidates preparing just for Confirmation, and they too were Confirmed at Easter Vigil. Please continue to pray for them to continue to build their relationship with God.