RCIA
RCIA 2008-2009 Schedule
What Is RCIA?
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a formal program of catechetical instruction, prayer and spirituality, and liturgies - whereby adults are formally admitted into the Catholic Church and receive the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist.
- Catechumens – Those who have never been baptized
- Candidates – those who have been baptized in other Christian denominations, whose baptism is recognized as valid, or those who have been baptized in the Catholic Church but have never learned or practiced their faith.
The process lasts from your first phone call thru receiving the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil (Holy Saturday- the night before Easter). Sessions begin in September. Catechumens and candidates will learn about the faith, share with each other, and ask questions. It is a time when an individual makes the initial commitment to pursue the faith.
Process Highlights
During the course of the RCIA program, the catechumen or candidate follows a spiritual journey of “steps”.
Catechumenate
When a person has decided to join the Catholic Church, he or she enters the Catechumenate phase. This begins with a Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens, and can be combined with a Rite of Welcoming for candidates. They meet at Mass to hear the Word of God proclaimed and declare their intent to be received into full communion with the church.
In addition to attending Mass, weekly sessions offer opportunities to:
Learn more about the sacred Scriptures and the doctrines of the Church
Learn about a life of prayer and worship life
Develop a relationship with the Catholic Christian Community
Learn how to live and serve others in apostolic witness. This period ends with the Rite of Election which takes place early in Lent. Catechumen’s name is inscribed in the Book of the Elect
Period of Purification and Enlightenment
The final, intense preparation for the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation.
Candidates commit to continuing conversion
Catechumens participate in three purifying rituals, known as the Scrutinies, which strengthen the elect and help to complete their conversion. At this time we have the presentation of the Creed and the Lord’s Prayer
It is a time for reflection and prayer more than teaching
This period is concluded with the Sacraments of Initiation to be celebrated at the Easter Vigil.
Mystagogy
Final period of Chrisian initiation. It continues through the Easter Season until Pentecost. New Catholics: Deepen their grasp of the paschal mystery Make it part of their lives through meditation on the Gospel, sharing in the Eucharist and doing works of charity
Is This for Me?
God calls each of us at different times in our lives. Faith is a personal journey that only you can decide you are ready for.
Hopefully, this brochure will answer some of your questions about the RCIA process.
Period of Inquiry- Pre-catechumenate
Become acquainted with the Catholic Church
Hear the Good news of salvation from Jesus Christ, our Savior
Look within one’s own life story and see connections to or needs for the Gospel story of Good News