Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)

Each year men and women embark on an exploration of the Catholic faith.  Some are deciding if they are called into the Catholic Church; others have been Catholic all their lives and are now interested in discovering what this really means. Together we witness to the fact that our search for God is a lifelong journey, a journey on which we make the most progress when we walk it with others and with intention.

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, RCIA, is a process that values every person’s unique religious story. It is an exciting journey of growth and discovery into the experience of including Jesus Christ in your life, asking your burning questions, and seeking ways to more fully explore your interest in the Catholic faith. There are a series of steps, formal rites, conducted in learning about the faith and spiritual formation through which a person is fully incorporated in the Body of Christ, the Church.

 

Who is RCIA for?

• An adult who has never been baptized.
• An adult who has been baptized in another faith tradition but is interested in becoming Roman Catholic.
• A baptized Catholic adult who has not received the sacraments of Eucharist or Confirmation.
• A Catholic adult who would like to learn more about the faith.

 

When do we meet?

This year we will be meeting Sunday afternoons at 1:15 PM in the Administration Room and Monday evenings at 7:00 PM also in the Administration Room.

What will I need during this process?

A prayerful and open heart paired with a commitment to attend our sessions.  All materials will be provided to you. You will need to select a sponsor who can guide and support you along your journey.

 

Who is a sponsor?

He or she is a practicing Catholic who is willing to walk with the inquirer during this process. They do not need to know all the answers but should be willing to reflect on their lives in the parish.
What if I do not have a sponsor as I begin RCIA?
We will be happy to pair you with a fellow parishioner who would be delighted to be your sponsor during your faith journey!

 

What are the Stages of the RCIA process?

The RCIA process has several distinct stages:

First Stage 
The first stage of the RCIA process begins when an adult participates in the inquiry sessions about Catholic beliefs and practices. This is a period of reflection and discovery where the "inquirers" meet weekly and reflect on Catholic beliefs through discussion.

Second Stage
In the second stage, the " catechumenate" officially begins with the Rite of Acceptance. This occurs on the first Sunday of Advent, which is the beginning of the liturgical year. The catechumens are introduced to the parish and receive the blessing of the Church. Throughout the catechumenate period, the catechumens celebrate the Liturgy of the Word at the Sunday Mass and continue their weekly meetings deepening their knowledge about the catholic faith.

Third Stage
The third stage is a time of spiritual purification and enlightenment. It begins with the Rite of Election celebrated by the diocesan bishop at the cathedral church, the official seat of the bishop, on the First Sunday of Lent. The catechumens, called by name and accompanied by their sponsors, come forward as the bishop signs the Book of the Elect.
They are then invited to proceed to the sacraments of initiation. They will share with Catholics around the world the season of repentance, renewal, and recommitment. They will receive copies of the Nicene Creed and the Lord's Prayer on separate Sundays in their parish during this period.  These will be recited at every Sunday liturgy proclaiming the core beliefs of our Christian faith.
During the Easter Vigil, the catechumens are fully initiated into the church. We congratulate them, welcome them to our community, and promise them our prayers on their journey of faith.

Final Stage
The final stage of the RCIA process is called the post-baptismal catechesis of Mystagogy. The newly initiated are invited to participate with the faithful in the Sunday liturgy fully. They are also encouraged to continue to study Scripture and participate in the parish's service mission. Although this concludes the RCIA process, the faith journey of the newly initiated, like our own, is a life-long process.