The RCIA Process:
Since the days of the Apostles, becoming a Christian has been accomplished by a journey and initiation in several stages.  During the Second Vatican Council there was a call for the reinstatement of the Cathechumentate. Thus, in January, 1972 there was a promulgation by Pope Paul VI of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (Catechism of the Catholic Church #1232)  Catechumenate is derived from the Greek (catechoumenos) and means “instruction”. Catechumanate is the entire RCIA process. In the early church, as in the restored catechumenate, Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist were one celebration, one rite of receiving new members into the community.

The RCIA is the process through which interested adults are gradually introduced to the Roman Catholic faith and way of life.  It is a communal process and involves a number of stages and liturgical rites (Rite of Welcome, Rite of Sending, Rite of Election) to assist the potential convert toward the final rite, the Easter Vigil at which time they will become full members of the Roman Catholic Church.  The Church prefers to call this a process and not a program.  The RCIA is far more than an academic study of the Catholic faith but requires conversion via a deeply personal journey by the cathecumens/candidates.

Through the RCIA, the Catholic Church extends an invitation to the following:
Those who are not associated with a community of faith and who wish to become Catholic
Those who want to convert to Catholicism from another faith
Those who want to learn about the Catholic faith  

Terms used in the RCIA:
Catechumen – A person who has never been baptized and is preparing for full initiation  at the Easter Vigil through baptism, confirmation and eucharist.
Candidate – One who is already baptized in another Christian faith and who now is preparing to be received into full communion in the Catholic Church. At the time of full communion, he or she will make a profession of faith, be confirmed and receive eucharist Inquirers – Those who participate in the Inquiry Phase or Pre-Catechumenate Phase. They are inquiring into Catholicism.
Elect – The name given to catechumens on the first Sunday of Lent signifying being chosen by God
Catechist – persons from clergy, religious or lay person who instruct others in the Catholic faith
Sponsor -  A strong practicing Catholic who accompanies the candidate or catechumen on their RCIA journey  

Phases and Rites of the RCIA:
Phase one – Inquiry Phase
Rite of Welcoming (generally during Advent) – Formally known as “The  Celebration of the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens and the Rite of Welcoming Baptized but Previously Uncatechized Adults Who are Preparing for Confirmation and Eucharist into Full Communion of the Catholic Church”
Rite of Sending (First Sunday of Lent) – Rite of Sending Catechumens for Election and Candidates for Recognition by the Bishop
Rite of Election (First Sunday of Lent)  - Formally known as “The Celebration of the Rite of Election of Catechumens and Call to Continuing Conversion of Candidates Who are Preparing for Confirmation and Eucharist into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church”.
Period of  Purification and Enlightenment (during Lent) -  Include Scrutinies on 3rd, 4th and 5th Sundays of Lent which includes exorcism prayer for deliverance from sin in order to strengthen the faithful to the Word of God. Also involves laying of hands by the presider and sponsors on the heads of the Elect and Candidates.  This is an ancient sign of forgiveness, healing and empowerment.  The Gospel readings during the Scrutinies includes a focus on thirst and water (Samaritan woman whom Jesus meets at Jacob’s well), darkness and light (healing and coming to faith of the man born blind) and death and life (raising of Lazarus from the dead).
Easter Vigil – Celebration of three Sacraments:  Baptism (beginning of new life), Confirmation (strengthening of life ) and Eucharist (nourishes the disciple with Christ’s Body and Blood for his transformation in Christ) The Elect are now called Neophytes (newly planted) until Pentecost
Final Phase – Mystagogy which in Greek means “entering more deeply into the mysteries”.  Mystagogy is the 50 day period from Easter Sunday until Pentecost.

RCIA classes meet every Tuesday night (Oct. thru Easter) from 7:00PM - 8:30PM in the school Cafeteria. Classes are open to all Catholics and Non-Catholics interested in learning more about the faith. Please call the church office for more information or to sign up (355-1523)

The 2011-2012 schedule is as follows:

Tuesdays 7 pm - 8:30 pm

For more information about Catholicism, see our Resource Page.