Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
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The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults or R. C. I. A.. is the process for welcoming new members into the Roman Catholic Church. Christian Initiation is a community journey that leads one to an opening of mind and spirit. Guided by the Gospel and by the example of parishioners, newcomers (Inquirers) can find a place in the community of believers. In turn, Inquirers and, later, Catechumens inspire the parishioners as each proceeds in the entering of the Church community.

Christian Initiation is both a personal and communal journey for the newcomers in examining one’s relationship with God. The enthusiastic and joyous response of candidates to the discovery of Christ in their lives sparks renewed faith in the lives of the present parishioners. The resulting energy causes present members to re-examine their own relationships with God.

WHAT IS THE R.C.I.A. OR CATECHUMENATE?

R.C.I.A. is an initial for the entire formation process provided for those who wish to join the Catholic Church.. CATECHUMENATE specifically refers to the second phase of formation within the initiation process. It involves the teaching and discussion of the Good News (Gospels), prayer, and spiritual growth. The process includes various rites that the Parish celebrates along the journey to full membership in the Church. The term is sometimes used to mean all four stages of the process.

PRE-CATECHUMENATE - (INQUIRY)

A period of evangelization lasting from a few weeks to many months, as needed, when individuals hear the Gospel, ask their questions, share their stories, and reflect upon the place of God in their lives. They are not asked to make a commitment during this period. At the conclusion of this period, candidates celebrate the RITE OF BECOMING A CATECHUMEN, also call the RITE OF ACCEPTANCE, and request membership in the Church. If a longer time is needed, it is provided for that individual. An Inquirer requests entrance into the second stage (the Catechumenate). During a special rite, that request is granted and one is formally brought into the Community with all Community privileges except the rites of the Sacraments.

CATECHUMENATE

Upon request, a period that is devoted to formal preparation for full initiation. This period usually begins in the Fall. It may occur several times during the year. During the Catechumenate, "Catechumens" grow in faith by developing an understanding of Church teachings, interacting with members of the community, participating in liturgical rites, and learning about Christian service. The period is at least six weeks, sometimes a year or two or as long as needed.

PERIOD OF PURIFICATION AND ENLIGHTENMENT

At the beginning of Lent, the Church calls those who are ready to begin the final preparation for initiation into the Church with the RITE OF ELECTION. The Bishop of the Diocese accepts the signatures of those seeking entrance into the Church and ELECTS each person into the final preparation for the sacraments. The members of the Elect reflect on their personal religious experience and faith during the Lenten season and pray for guidance. This period includes the Scrutinies (readings and prayers to help the candidates overcome personal weaknesses and build strengths). The "Elect" are presented with blessings and symbols of the faith during this special time set apart to prepare for the Easter Sacraments. This period ends with the Easter Vigil.

 SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION
(BAPTISM, CONFIRMATION, HOLY EUCHARIST)

The Elect (unbaptized) are Baptized, Confirmed and given the Eucharist at the Easter Vigil.   Candidates, who are already baptized in other Christian traditions, make an Adult Profession of Faith and are received into full communion with the Church. They are Confirmed, and partake of the Holy Eucharist for the first time.

MYSTAGOGIA (POST-INITIATION CATECHESIS)

MYSTAGOGIA is the final and on-going phase of the Initiation process. From Easter until Pentecost the ongoing period centers around the "Breaking open" of the Easter, Sacramental Experience and the Sunday liturgies for the newly initiated. During this final period of initiation, the newly received (NEOPHYTES) share in the Eucharist, read and study the Scriptures, perform acts of Christian service, experience new forms of prayer, discern personal gifts in preparation for ministries of choice, and live the Gospel in their daily lives. After Pentecost, the process becomes ongoing for all Catholics.

WHO NEEDS THE PROCESS OF INITIATION?

The initiation is provided for adults who wish to join the Roman Catholic Church. The first stage of the Catechumenate (Pt. 1 - INQUIRY) is open to anyone interested in the Church, even those who do not wish to join or who are not ready to make a commitment (Inquirer) to the Church or process.