The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a process for bringing into the Catholic Church both those who have never been baptized (Catechumens) and those who were baptized in a non-Catholic Christian Church (Candidates for Full Communion). RCIA is also the best way for adult Catholics who have never been confirmed to prepare for that final Sacrament of Initiation.
Each year in September, St. Andrew’s begins a new class of RCIA, and we invite to participate everyone who would like to join the Catholic Church or who is at least curious to understand the teachings and customs of Catholic Christianity. For those who have never been baptized, this process will culminate in Baptism at the Great Vigil of Easter in the spring. Those who are already baptized will be received into full communion with the Catholic Church by a profession of faith at the same Vigil. Finally, the newly baptized adults and those who make their profession of faith will all be confirmed and share in the Holy Eucharist for the first time at the Easter Vigil.
While classroom work is a part of the process, RCIA is more than a class; it is a gradual introduction to the customs, beliefs, practices, and devotions of the Catholic Faith, and the initial steps to becoming a serious disciple of Jesus Christ. Those who participate in RCIA will be guided to understand the richness of Catholic worship and teaching as a preparation for making a profession of faith at Easter: “I believe and profess all that the holy Catholic Church believes, teaches, and proclaims to be revealed by God.”
AN OVERVIEW OF THE RITES OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA)
WHAT IS RCIA?
RCIA is short for Rites of Christian Initiation of Adults. It is the process for adults thinking about or desiring to become full members of the Roman Catholic Church. The local parish prepares men and women through a process that focuses on discerning God’s invitation to live a Catholic Christian life and leading to serving Jesus in daily life. (The RCIA: Transforming the Church. Thomas H. Morris. New York: Paulist Press, 1989.) The process culminates with persons being baptized or renewing their baptismal promises, being confirmed, and making their first Eucharist. Usually this takes place during the Easter Vigil service. The process of RCIA normally takes from nine (9) months to three (3) years.
WHO MAY PARTICIPATE?
1. Any adult and older teen (17 years or older) who is not Catholic and is interested in becoming Catholic.
2. Any adult (and older teen--17 years or older) baptized Catholic who has NOT made their first Eucharist and/or Confirmation.
3. While not required, some Catholics who have been away from the Church for a significant period of time (i.e., several years) have found it helpful as a way to return to the Church.
WHAT ARE THE STAGES IN THE RCIA PROCESS?
For Those Who Seek Baptism
Period of Inquiry
This is a time to explore the Catholic faith and ask questions. It is also a time to begin hearing the stories of the Gospel. Participants ask questions about the Gospel and about the Church.
Rite of Acceptance
This is a first welcome into the community and moves a person into the Period of the Catechumenate. New title: Catechumen.
Catechumenate
This is a time to deepen faith and conversion within the church community. Catechumens learn more about the Bible, Church teachings, worship, sacraments, morality, and service. This period may last anywhere between 3 months to 3 years, depending on the needs of the Catechumen.
Rite of Election
When a Catechumen is ready for initiation, they prepare for the Easter Vigil by first celebrating this Rite of Election on the first Sunday of Lent. They are brought to the Bishop for a blessing and gain a new title: Elect.
The Period of Purification and Enlightenment
During the season of Lent, the Elect spend time in prayer and self examination as they prepare for initiation at the Easter Vigil. There is limited formal instruction during this period.
Easter Vigil
Initiation through Baptism, Confirmation and 1st Eucharist.
Mystagogy
During the Easter Season, up until Pentecost, the newly baptized, called Neophytes, spend time understanding the sacramental life with an emphasis on the gospel, Eucharist, and works of charity.
THE ST. ANDREW RCIA PROCESS IS DIVIDED INTO THREE MAJOR SECTIONS OF STUDY
Section One: How Catholics Think
The truths that are addressed in this section include The Central Truth of the Faith: The Blessed Trinity, Divine Revelation, Salvation, The Sacraments, and The Origin and Formation of the Catholic Church.
Section Two: How Catholics Live
The truths that are addressed in this section involve the moral life of the Catholic required by the Ten Commandments and include such topics as reverence for God’s name and holy things, Catholic marriage, family, and the Church’s consistent pro-life ethic.
Section Three: How Catholics Worship and Pray
The truths that are addressed in this section involve the liturgy of the Church, the meaning and significance of the Mass, and the prayers and devotions of the Church.
For more information, contact Ginny Carlin.
Each year in September, St. Andrew’s begins a new class of RCIA, and we invite to participate everyone who would like to join the Catholic Church or who is at least curious to understand the teachings and customs of Catholic Christianity. For those who have never been baptized, this process will culminate in Baptism at the Great Vigil of Easter in the spring. Those who are already baptized will be received into full communion with the Catholic Church by a profession of faith at the same Vigil. Finally, the newly baptized adults and those who make their profession of faith will all be confirmed and share in the Holy Eucharist for the first time at the Easter Vigil.
While classroom work is a part of the process, RCIA is more than a class; it is a gradual introduction to the customs, beliefs, practices, and devotions of the Catholic Faith, and the initial steps to becoming a serious disciple of Jesus Christ. Those who participate in RCIA will be guided to understand the richness of Catholic worship and teaching as a preparation for making a profession of faith at Easter: “I believe and profess all that the holy Catholic Church believes, teaches, and proclaims to be revealed by God.”
AN OVERVIEW OF THE RITES OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA)
WHAT IS RCIA?
RCIA is short for Rites of Christian Initiation of Adults. It is the process for adults thinking about or desiring to become full members of the Roman Catholic Church. The local parish prepares men and women through a process that focuses on discerning God’s invitation to live a Catholic Christian life and leading to serving Jesus in daily life. (The RCIA: Transforming the Church. Thomas H. Morris. New York: Paulist Press, 1989.) The process culminates with persons being baptized or renewing their baptismal promises, being confirmed, and making their first Eucharist. Usually this takes place during the Easter Vigil service. The process of RCIA normally takes from nine (9) months to three (3) years.
WHO MAY PARTICIPATE?
1. Any adult and older teen (17 years or older) who is not Catholic and is interested in becoming Catholic.
2. Any adult (and older teen--17 years or older) baptized Catholic who has NOT made their first Eucharist and/or Confirmation.
3. While not required, some Catholics who have been away from the Church for a significant period of time (i.e., several years) have found it helpful as a way to return to the Church.
WHAT ARE THE STAGES IN THE RCIA PROCESS?
For Those Who Seek Baptism
Period of Inquiry
This is a time to explore the Catholic faith and ask questions. It is also a time to begin hearing the stories of the Gospel. Participants ask questions about the Gospel and about the Church.
Rite of Acceptance
This is a first welcome into the community and moves a person into the Period of the Catechumenate. New title: Catechumen.
Catechumenate
This is a time to deepen faith and conversion within the church community. Catechumens learn more about the Bible, Church teachings, worship, sacraments, morality, and service. This period may last anywhere between 3 months to 3 years, depending on the needs of the Catechumen.
Rite of Election
When a Catechumen is ready for initiation, they prepare for the Easter Vigil by first celebrating this Rite of Election on the first Sunday of Lent. They are brought to the Bishop for a blessing and gain a new title: Elect.
The Period of Purification and Enlightenment
During the season of Lent, the Elect spend time in prayer and self examination as they prepare for initiation at the Easter Vigil. There is limited formal instruction during this period.
Easter Vigil
Initiation through Baptism, Confirmation and 1st Eucharist.
Mystagogy
During the Easter Season, up until Pentecost, the newly baptized, called Neophytes, spend time understanding the sacramental life with an emphasis on the gospel, Eucharist, and works of charity.
THE ST. ANDREW RCIA PROCESS IS DIVIDED INTO THREE MAJOR SECTIONS OF STUDY
Section One: How Catholics Think
The truths that are addressed in this section include The Central Truth of the Faith: The Blessed Trinity, Divine Revelation, Salvation, The Sacraments, and The Origin and Formation of the Catholic Church.
Section Two: How Catholics Live
The truths that are addressed in this section involve the moral life of the Catholic required by the Ten Commandments and include such topics as reverence for God’s name and holy things, Catholic marriage, family, and the Church’s consistent pro-life ethic.
Section Three: How Catholics Worship and Pray
The truths that are addressed in this section involve the liturgy of the Church, the meaning and significance of the Mass, and the prayers and devotions of the Church.
For more information, contact Ginny Carlin.
