Frequently Asked Questions

Should My Non-Catholic Spouse Become A Catholic? If your spouse does not have a present church affiliation, or if your spouse comes to Mass with you often, or if you sense an interest in Catholicism in your spouse, he or she may very well be interested in becoming a Catholic.

Can Non-Catholic Receive Holy Communion In Our Church? No, as a general rule non-Catholics should not receive Holy Communion in the Catholic Church. On certain specific occasions they can receive permission from the Bishop to share in Communion, but if they want to receive Communion regularly, this may be a sign that they might want to become Catholic. Non-Catholics should fully share our beliefs before they fully share in the table of the Eucharist in the Catholic Church. Please read the “Guidelines for the Reception of Communion” found on the inside of the front page of our Missalette.

What Does A Non-Catholic Do To Officially Become Catholic? They meet with a Catholic priest/or R.C.I.A Director who will explain the Church’s R.C.I.A. Program to them. The R.C.I.A. is the Church’s way of welcoming & forming new adult members.

What is R.C.I.A.? The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a return to the practice of the first centuries of Christianity when new members were brought into the church gradually, communally & liturgically. This means that the candidates for entrance into church make their decision in stages, as a group & during the liturgical calendar of the church year.

Are Protestants Rebaptized? Baptized Protestants are believing Christians, so they are never rebaptized. They become Catholics through a Profession of Faith & the Sacrament of Confirmation, since they are confirming their baptismal faith, but now in the Catholic Church. A non-Christian, however, (someone who is not baptized) would be baptized to enter the  Church.

How Do I Know If R.C.I.A Is For Me? Probably the best way is to come & find out. By enrolling in the R.C.I.A. you make no commitment. The R.C.I.A. begins with an inquiry phase, where your questions can be answered.

How Can I Learn More About Becoming Catholic? Call the St. Thomas Aquinas Parish office, 232-3225, for more information.

Is There Reading or Studying Involved? Yes, we spend time learning more about the Old & New Testaments, Jesus & His message, the history of Christianity, the Sacraments, morality & our prayer life. We meet on Tues. evenings from 7-9 pm beginning in September in the McMillan Rm. All three of Freeport’s Catholic parishes are involved in this all city R.C.I.A. program.


R.C.I.A.

R.C.I.A. (RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS) has begun again in our parish. The process is aimed at welcoming others to join our Catholic community by reflecting upon the experiences of their lives, the experiences of the Scriptures & the teachings of the Catholic Church.

R.C.I.A. IS DESIGNED FOR ADULTS IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SITUATIONS:

1.)  unbaptized adult seeking Baptism, Confirmation & Eucharist in the Catholic Church.

2.) baptized adult Christian in another denomination seeking full communion with the Catholic Church.

3.)  returning adult Catholics who wish to be reconciled to the Church & updated on church teachings.

4.)  practicing Catholics who wish to be Confirmed &/or to know more about their faith by reviewing the Sacred Scripture, Church history & Church teachings more in-depth. We are still accepting candidates to join our group in the McMillan Room this Tues. at 7 p.m. Please contact the parish office, 815-232-3225 for more information.