Thinking of Becoming Catholic?

• Interested in learning more about the Catholic Church?
• Unbaptized and looking for more spirituality in your life?
• Baptized, but have never received any formal religious education?
• Married to a Catholic and would like to share in your spouse’s faith?
• Seeking something in your life, but are not sure what it is?

Then R.C.I.A. may be right for you.

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a gradual process, established for the universal Church, for individuals to become Catholic and receive the Sacraments of Initiation - Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. It is based upon the model of the early Christian Church in which potential members passed through stages of conversion and learning into full membership at Easter.

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a gradual process, established for the universal Church, for individuals to become Catholic and receive the Sacraments of Initiation - Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. It is based upon the model of the early Christian Church in which potential members passed through stages of conversion and learning into full membership at Easter.

The INQUIRY-PRE-CATECHUMENATE STAGE of RCIA is for non -baptized persons and persons baptized in a different Tradition, as well as un-catechized Catholics who are seeking full initiation into the Church.
 
This stage explores various aspects of Catholic life such as prayer, worship, scripture, service, community, belief, hierarchy and many other aspects of the Church. When and if, after a suitable time in the pre-catechumenate, an inquirer discerns that s/he would like to move forward to the next phase, the formal process of full initiation begins, following a Rite of Welcoming.
 
The CATECHUMENATE STAGE of RCIA is an extended period for catechumens (non-baptized persons) and candidates (baptized persons, either Catholic or baptized in another Christian denomination) to deepen in faith and commitment to Christ through suitable pastoral formation and guidance, and aimed at training in the Christian life. Although they are not yet able to share in the Eucharistic banquet, they participate in the Liturgy of the Word each Sunday during 10:30 Mass. During dismissals, candidates and catechumens feast on God's Word and relate it to their own lives.

In addition to Sunday dismissals, the catechumenate period includes formal Tuesday evening sessions (7:15 – 9:00 P.M) on Catholic teaching and practice and is an opportunity for the individual to grow in prayer and to mature in faith.

With the support of community members, sponsors, godparents and catechists, the catechumens and candidates steadily conform their lives to Gospel values. They continue to deepen their relationship with Christ, and when they, with the guidance of their catechists, discern that they are ready, they enter into the next stage of the catechumenate, Purification and Enlightenment.

The PURIFICATION AND ENLIGHTENMENT stage, which begins on the first Sunday of Lent, is a period of more intense spiritual preparation, consisting more in interior reflection than in catechetical instruction. Candidates and catechumens continue to attend Tuesday evening meetings and Sunday dismissals as they prepare for the Easter sacraments.
 
The final stage of RCIA is called MYSTAGOGY, a time for the community and neophytes (new Catholics) together to grow in deepening their awareness of God’s presence in their midst. Now, instead of leaving for dismissal, they remain with the community as fully initiated members of our faith community.

The neophytes continue to meet weekly during the Easter season and then several other times during the year. They share prayer and community with one another as they become more integrated into the faith community of the parish and the larger Church. They take time together to discover their gifts and talents, their continuing call to grow in the love of God and participation in building the reign of God.

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults