St. Matthew Catholic Church

Become Catholic through the RCIA - Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults program. Call Raquel Aguilera in the Parish Office for more information (951) 272-3521.

I Used to be a Catholic

Are you contemplating a return to Catholic faith and practice? Do you wonder if there's a place for you in today's Catholic Church? 

The answer is yes! In baptism, you became a member of the Church. No matter your reasons for being away, God's love is, always has been and always will be here for you.

There are many reasons that people separate from the Church. These reasons should not be discounted. We encourage you to look further into those reasons in the hope of identifying a way back. This process may require small steps or maybe you're ready to dive right back in! Our hope is to provide you with a place from which a return to your Catholic faith can take place, reconciliation and healing can be found if needed, and your friendship with Jesus can continue to grow.

If you would like to discuss a return to the Catholic faith, email Fr. Joseph at jasebastian@sbdiocese.org or call (951) 272-3523.

Interested in Being a Catholic

If you are curious about the Catholic faith or ever thought about becoming a Catholic, our formation program for the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is just for you. Adults from all faith traditions or from no religious background at all are welcome to participate in the RCIA formation program. Sessions are ongoing.

For the unbaptized, the RCIA has four stages:

• The first is a period of Inquiry. During this stage candidates for baptism are invited to ask questions about the Church, share their own faith experiences, and decide whether they would like to continue or not.
• The second stage is the Catechumenate, during which the candidate is introduced to liturgy, faith-life, and Tradition.
• The third stage is the Enlightenment and Purification. This takes place during the Lenten season with intense prayer and study on the part of the individual as well as the parish community. It climaxes at the Easter Vigil with the sacraments of initiation--Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist.
• The fourth and final stage is the Post-Baptismal Catechesis (Mystagogia). This stage continues from Easter to Pentecost and focuses on the mysteries of Christ’s death and resurrection, and helps the newly baptized to develop a deeper understanding of their faith.

Please contact the Director of RCIA at (951) 272-3521 or email raguilera@sbdiocese.org.