RCIA

What is the RCIA?

The RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults), also called the Catechumenate, is a process of initiation into the Catholic Community of Faith for persons who are experiencing a conversion in their lives and seeking either Christian baptism in the Catholic Church or full Communion with the Catholic tradition of Eucharist and Confirmation.

It is a process that enables the study of the Gospels, Catholic Christian teaching, the acceptance of Christian values and morality, and the development and deepening of a life of prayer and action with the support and involvement of the local Christian community. The RCIA is more than a course of instruction. It is a process of conversion, designed to meet the unique and individual needs of the participants.

Who is RCIA for?

  • Non-Catholics who want to find out more about the Catholic Faith
  • Those who want to join the Catholic Church through Baptism, or Profession of Faith
  • Those who were baptized Catholic as infants but never received religious education, Confirmation, or First Eucharist.

Why an RCIA Process? 

Christians are made, not born. There is nothing automatic or instant in the Rite of Christian Initiation. The development of faith takes time; it cannot be rushed. The candidates must be allowed sufficient time for their faith to ripen. Ordinarily, this means anywhere from one to two years of formation depending, of course, on the background and spiritual maturity of the candidates.

In the past (in fact, hundreds of years ago), a person desiring reception into the Christian Community studied, prayed, fasted, and did good works for three years. Initiation takes time. Initiation is more than doctrinal instruction. It is a way of coming to know the traditions, the people, the prayer, and the actions of the community.

Five Stages of the RCIA Process

  1. Inquiry or Pre-Catechumenate
    At this time, participants are encouraged to ask questions, explore the basic tenets of the Catholic faith, and reflect upon these in light of their own life experiences.
  2. The Catechumenate
    It is during this time that most of the study of Scripture, doctrine, traditions, and meeting with the community takes place.
  3. Purification and Enlightenment
    For those preparing for baptism, this stage occurs during the Lenten season, when they reflect on their faith experiences more intensely and prayerfully. Other times during the year, baptized candidates reflect more deeply on the meaning of their baptism and celebrate the Sacrament of Penance.
  4. Sacraments of Initiation
    Candidates for baptism celebrate their initiation into the Church on the holiest night—the Easter Vigil—where they are baptized, confirmed, and receive the Holy Eucharist. Candidates for full communion celebrate their Rite of Reception several other times throughout the year.
  5. Mystagogia                               This is a time for candidates to reflect upon their experiences of being new Catholic Christians and find their place in the ordinary life of the Church.

Some Common Questions

Must I make a commitment of Catholicism to participate in this program?

  • No! We realize that many people are searching and need to know more about the Church before committing. We also realize that Catholicism is not for everyone. We ask for no firm commitment until the beginning of Lent.

I was baptized a Methodist, Baptist, etc. Must I be rebaptized in order to join the Catholic church?

  • No! There is only one Baptism. Candidates seeking full communion within the Catholic Church will not be baptized again. They will simply make a Profession of Faith and receive the Sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation. 

When does the class meet?

  • Currently, we meet every Tuesday evening from 7-8:30 p.m. in the Parish Office Conference Room. 

Interested in walking with someone as they make this journey?

  • We are always in need of Catholic sponsors (people who stand by those going through the process of sacramental preparation) please contact me if you are interested in becoming a sponsor.

For more information, please contact: Lianna Bazzani at 530-534-7524 or email me at Lianna.Bazzani@gmail.com