RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION FOR ADULTS
The Steps for Christian Initiation
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a process of evangelization when one experiences an encounter with Jesus Christ and makes a conscious choice to explore the Christian faith. When this decision is made, the Rite of Acceptance is celebrated when the inquirer stands in front of the parish community and states that he or she wants to become a baptized member of the Catholic Church. The parish assembly affirms this desire and the inquirer becomes a Catechumen.
The Period of the Catechumenate, a time of reflection and education, varies based on how Catechumens grow in faith, and how God leads them through their journey as they consider God’s message in their own lives. Once the Catechumen and priest or parish team feels the Catechumen is ready, the request for baptism is made, seeking baptism and full initiation at the upcoming Easter vigil. On the first Sunday of Lent, the Catechumens again publicly express their desire for baptism to the diocesan bishop at the Rite of Election.
The days of Lent make up the final period leading to the Easter Vigil. Lent is a period of preparation marked by prayer and spiritual direction for the Elect, as well as prayers for them by the parish community. Finally, the Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation takes place during the Easter Vigil Liturgy on Holy Saturday, when the Elect receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. Now the person is fully initiated into the Catholic Church.
As a newly initiated Catholic, they continue their formation and education in the Period of Mystagogy, or Post Baptismal Catechesis, when the newly baptized reflect on their experiences and continue to learn more about the Scriptures, Sacraments and teachings of the Catholic Church. In addition, they reflect on how they will serve Christ and help in the Church's mission and outreach activities of the parish.
The Period of the Catechumenate, a time of reflection and education, varies based on how Catechumens grow in faith, and how God leads them through their journey as they consider God’s message in their own lives. Once the Catechumen and priest or parish team feels the Catechumen is ready, the request for baptism is made, seeking baptism and full initiation at the upcoming Easter vigil. On the first Sunday of Lent, the Catechumens again publicly express their desire for baptism to the diocesan bishop at the Rite of Election.
The days of Lent make up the final period leading to the Easter Vigil. Lent is a period of preparation marked by prayer and spiritual direction for the Elect, as well as prayers for them by the parish community. Finally, the Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation takes place during the Easter Vigil Liturgy on Holy Saturday, when the Elect receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. Now the person is fully initiated into the Catholic Church.
As a newly initiated Catholic, they continue their formation and education in the Period of Mystagogy, or Post Baptismal Catechesis, when the newly baptized reflect on their experiences and continue to learn more about the Scriptures, Sacraments and teachings of the Catholic Church. In addition, they reflect on how they will serve Christ and help in the Church's mission and outreach activities of the parish.
