RCIA

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, is a process through which non-baptized men and women enter the Catholic Church. It includes several stages marked by study, prayer and rites at Mass. Participants in the RCIA are known as catechumens. They undergo a process of conversion as they study the Gospel, profess faith in Jesus and the Catholic Church, and receive the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Holy Eucharist. The RCIA process follows the ancient practice of the church and was restored by the Second Vatican Council as the normal way adults prepare for baptism. In 1974, the Rite for Christian Initiation for Adults was formally approved for use in the United States and has been used since as the normative way of welcoming adults into our Catholic family.

What Takes Place in the RCIA?

• The Inquiry: A time for searching for God, asking questions about the basics of the Catholic Faith.
• The Catechumenate: A time for being informed by the Gospel and of learning our faith more in depth.
• Purification & Enlightenment: Takes place during Lent. It is a time for reflection and prayer in preparation for the Celebration of the Easter Vigil.
• Mystagogia: Is the time after the Easter Celebration to Deepen the understanding of what it means to become Eucharist and live Christ’s mission in the world. 

If you are interested in becoming a Catholic and joining our family via the RCIA process, please contact the Parish Office at 440-238-5555.