Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)

A journey of Faith and an investigation into the truths of the Catholic Christian tradition. The RCIA is designed for those persons interested in joining the Church and those wanting to find out more about the Church, those who have never been baptized and seek initiation into the Catholic Church, and those who have been previously baptized into other Christian denominational churches and wish to complete their initiation into the Catholic Church through Confirmation and First Eucharist. Sessions include prayer, reflection on Scripture, and instruction on topics of belief: sacraments, morality, prayer, church history and others.

For those who think they might wish to become Catholic, the Church has the "Catechumen" or the "Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults" (RCIA) which is the formal title for the whole process of preparing for initiation into the Catholic Church. The RCIA process is concerned with the total formation of the person into believing with the Church community (doctrinal formation), living with the Church community (a practical formation) and serving with the Church community (apostolic formation). This gradual development culminates in the celebration of the initiation sacraments of baptism, confirmation and the Eucharist.

The Catechumenate is a journey in faith, which prepares persons for full membership in the Catholic Church. It includes various ceremonies that are celebrated on the way to full membership. These observences are signposts on the journey of faith, which mark the spiritual growth of the candidate, and visibly express the community's concern for them.

• Pre-Catechumenate (Period of Inquiry) – during this time, inquirers reflect on the gospel message and the way in which they can apply it to their own lives. It is a time for questions an dfinding out more about the Catholic Church.
• Period of Catechumenate – Those who profess their faith in Jesus and freely desire to continue their journey toward full membership in the Catholic Church then move to this next phase where most of the teaching takes place with the help of a sponsor and members of the community. The candidate learns about the Church as a community. This period begins with a rite celebrated to mark the formal entrance of a person into the Catechumenate.
• Purification and Enlightenment – At the beginning of Lent, the Church calls those who are judged ready to make final preparation for the Sacraments of Initiation, which will be received at Easter. This calling takes place in the special Rite of Election. During Lent, the parish community joins the candidates/catechumens in their preparation and together they continue the journey toward the celebration of Easter.
• Initiation – Ordinarily the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist) are celebrated at the Easter Vigil Mass. Christians who are already baptized may be formally received into full communion with the Catholic Church at this Liturgy.
• Mystagogia (Post-Easter) – A period of fifty days from Easter to Pentecost completes the Initiation process. It is a special time for Neophytes newly received to find a place in the community. This is the time for unfolding the meaning of the Easter Sacraments.

If you are interested in learning more, please contact Marie Carter, our Director of Religious Education, at 314-837-3410.