RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION FOR ADULTS RCIA
"I have called you by name; you are mine."
– Isaiah 43:1
"Be not afraid! Open wide the doors to Christ!"
– Saint John Paul the Great
“If you are what you should be, you will set the world on fire."
– Saint Catherine of Siena
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)
The RCIA process is designed to assist interested persons in learning Christian teaching, accepting Christian values and morality, developing a life of prayer and becoming an active member of the local Catholic community.
RCIA is a community faith journey and catechesis that leads to a transformation of mind and spirit for those interested in becoming members of the Catholic Church. Without obligation, individuals are instructed in the faith, so they can determine if the Catholic Church is the right place for them to discover and live out their call to Christ.
Who is RCIA for?
The Church welcomes all adults who are interested in the Roman Catholic Faith. RCIA is for adults interested in learning about and/or becoming members of the Church. The RCIA process is for:
-
Unbaptized adults desiring to learn more about the Catholic faith and possibly becoming Catholic.
-
Baptized Christians from other denominations desiring full communion in the Catholic Church.
​
Can you explain the RCIA process?
The RCIA process is the approved method for conversion to Catholicism. This process provides guidance and support from the entire Catholic community and the time for individual growth in faith. RCIA prepares candidates/catechumens for the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism (if not baptized), Confirmation, Eucharist, and Reconciliation.
The FAITH JOURNEY OF RCIA is divided into four continuous periods.
-
Inquiry/Pre-catechumenate – Intents to awaken or deepen the faith of persons. It is the time for inquirers to ask questions and decide if they want to continue to study for entrance into the Catholic Church.
-
Catechumenate – The time of apprenticeship during which catechumens and candidates deepen their understanding and appreciation of the faith. The focus is on sharing and reflecting on scripture, traditions, and teachings of the Church.
-
Enlightenment and Purification – The time for reflection and preparation for the reception of the sacraments. Corresponds with the Lenten season. The catechumens and candidates who choose to receive the sacraments will do so at the Easter Vigil or on Divine Mercy Sunday.
-
Mystagogy – The time when the newly initiated spend time in post-baptismal catechesis. It is a time for deepening the Christian experience, for spiritual growth and for entering more fully into the life and unity in the community. This period is through the Easter season to Pentecost.
We need RCIA Team volunteers!
RCIA is an exciting way to be part of the call to the New Evangelization. There are many ways to participate in this ministry. Whether you can commit to joining the team as a Sponsor or can only help at one or two sessions a year there is a place for you. Below are some of the ways you can support RCIA.
-
Sponsor – Members of the Catholic community who walk the journey of RCIA with a catechumen or candidate. Serve as companion, friend, a source of information about Catholic practices, a participant in the liturgies and witness to their readiness.
-
Catechist / Presenter – Meet with the catechumens and candidates during the Sunday morning sessions to share faith, pray the scriptures and share the Catholic traditions. Present specialized topics of ministry, faith or personal experience.
-
Sunday Dismissal – Lead the discussion and reflection of the Sunday readings when the catechumens and candidates are dismissed after the Liturgy of the Word at Mass beginning with Advent. Leaders will rotate Sundays through the Catechumenate period.
-
Hospitality – Be available for periodic Sunday morning meetings or RCIA events/receptions to greet and welcome the catechumens and candidates. Assist in setting up for meetings or any RCIA events/receptions.
If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about the faith or completing the sacraments of initiation as an adult, or if you would like to join the RCIA Team as a volunteer, please give me a call!
​
John Cave
The Rite of Christian Initiation adapted for Children and Teens (RCIA C/T)
Baptized Catholics, Welcome Home!
Welcome all baptized Catholics who have not been raised in the Catholic tradition, have not received the Sacraments of Confirmation or First Holy Communion or have been inactive in the Catholic faith. Are you filled with questions about Catholicism? We invite you to come learn more about the faith you were baptized in. Bring your questions and let's take the time to dive deeper to discover God's longing for you! For more information, contact Dom Cingoranelli at dom@successioninstitute.com.