Becoming Catholic - Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
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What is RCIA?
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is the process by which one explores faith and life in the Catholic tradition. The Rite is modeled after the initiation process used in the first centuries of the early Church. It includes a combination of study, prayer, and participation in the liturgy and certain rites at Mass. Participants, known as catechumens, undergo a process of conversion as they study the Gospel, profess their faith in Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church, and receive the Sacraments of Christian Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.
How long is the RCIA program?
How long does it take for any relationship to develop? We all journey on different paths at different times. The Period of the Catechumenate, or period of instruction, can last for as long as several years or for a shorter time. It all depends on how the catechumen is growing in the faith. When a catechumen and the RCIA Team believe the individual is ready to make a full faith commitment to Jesus and the Catholic Church, a request is made and the Rite of Election celebrated.- There are several, distinct periods of formation. Some occur during certain times in our church year. Others are ongoing and tailored to an individual's journey.
- Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate
- This period is also known as the Period of Inquiry. After consultation with an advisor, the "inquirer" may decide to seek acceptance into the Order of Catechumens or Candidates.
- The Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens and The Rite of Welcoming the Candidates
- In both the Rite of Acceptance (non-baptized inquirers) and the Rite of Welcoming (validly-Christian baptized inquirers), the inquirer states his or her desire to become a member of the Catholic Church and the assembly affirms that desire, welcoming the individual into the catechumenate.
- Rite of Election
- The Rite of Election, held on the first Sunday of Lent, enrolls the names of "the elect" seeking the sacraments of Christian Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) at the coming Easter Vigil, which is known as the Rite of Reception.
- Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate
What if I am already baptized?
RCIA offers classes for men, women and children in grades 3 through 12, who are validly-baptized Christians but not Roman Catholics, into full communion with the Catholic Church through the receipt of the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.
What if I am not baptized?
RCIA offers classes for men, women and children aged 7 or older into full communion with the Catholic Church through the receipt of the sacraments of Christian Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist).
RCIA sessions for adults
Meets regularly, on Tuesday evenings from 6:30PM - 8:30PM
RCIA adapted for children and teens
Meets regularly, from September through June, on Sunday mornings. Families attend the 10am Mass together and then the children and teens meet from 11:15am to 12:30pm. RCIA sessions involving children and teens is one of family catechesis, with parents attending sessions during the same time the children and teens are in their sessions
RCIA Team
The preparation of adults, children and teens for the sacraments of Christian Initiation is the responsibility of the entire parish community. The RCIA team exercises this responsibility in these different roles:- Sponsors are companions to adult seekers as they walk the journey to initiation
- Ministers of hospitality provide refreshments for weekly meetings and for celebrations
- Catechists lead the sessions of Breaking Open the Word on Sundays and facilitate weekly sessions
If you are interested in learning more about RCIA or RCIA adapted for Children and Teens, please contact Shareena Grant at [email protected] or the Faith Formation office at [email protected]
- There are several, distinct periods of formation. Some occur during certain times in our church year. Others are ongoing and tailored to an individual's journey.
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