Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)
If you or someone you know is interested in being baptized or has been baptized in another Christian denomination and wishes to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church, this process ordinarily takes place within the context of RCIA. There are five stages to the RCIA process (and the title of the participants changes at each stage:
Inquiry
This is a time to begin to encounter Jesus Christ and the message of the Gospel. It is also a time to ask questions and learn the basics of prayer together with other Inquirers. There is no commitment to move forward, and can last as long as the Inquirer needs.
Catechumenate
Having come to faith in Jesus Christ and with a desire to become a member of the Catholic Church, the Catechumen makes a commitment of that desire to be baptized. This period is one of deeper formation within the Church community, especially through the Liturgy of the Word at Mass.
Purification/Illumination
During Lent, Catechumens are formally acknowledged as Elect during the Rite of Election. Throughout Lent, the Elect enters into deeper prayer and a sense of repentance for sin. The Church prays in a special way for the elect.
Sacraments of Initiation—The Elect are Baptized; already baptized Candidates are received into the Church; all those baptized/received also are Confirmed, and receive First Eucharist.
Mystagogy
The Neophytes (literally “new plants” or “new shoots” continue their formation, especially through attending Mass and continuing to receive the Sacraments.
To start this process, please email Fr. Matthew at [email protected]. This will allow him to ask some questions to help understand where you current are in your faith.
The fall phase of the program will take place online.
Do You Have Questions About Becoming Catholic?
Are you interested in becoming Catholic? Are you wondering how an adult can join the Catholic church? We would be glad to talk with you and provide details about the process for adults called Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults or RCIA. If you or someone you know may be interested in inquiring about becoming a member of the Church, please contact Fr. Matthew Morelli, or the parish office at 724.479.3881.
RCIA
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is an ongoing four-step process within parish life designed to welcome new members in the Church. In 1966, a decree from the Second Vatican Council called for the adult rites of initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation) to be revised and restored to the catechumenate, and in 1988, the American Bishops mandated the implementation of RCIA in all parishes in the United States. This process recognizes our responsibility to demonstrate Christ’s presence by our words and actions. The majority of those who express interest in becoming Catholic have been encouraged to do so by the actions of our parish community.
The first stage of the RCIA process is called evangelization and begins when an adult comes to the Church to inquire about Catholic beliefs and practices.
In the second stage, the “catechumenate” officially begins with the Rite of Acceptance. This occurs on the first Sunday of Advent, which is the beginning of the liturgical year. The catechumens are introduced to the parish, receive the blessing of the priest, and receive a copy of the Bible. Throughout the catechumenate period, the catechumens join the celebration of the Liturgy of the Word at the Sunday Mass and are formally dismissed after the homily to discuss the Sunday readings. Since they are not yet fully initiated, they are not yet invited to celebrate the Eucharist. Their public presence at Mass and their dismissal from it are powerful reminders to all of us that our faith is a precious gift which should not be taken for granted. During this period, the catechumens continue their weekly meetings in addition to attendance at Sunday Mass.
The third stage is a time of spiritual purification and enlightenment and begins with the Rite of Election celebrated by the Bishop at the Cathedral on the First Sunday of Lent. The catechumens, called by name and accompanied by their godparents, come forward as the Bishop signs the Book of the Elect. They are invited to proceed to the sacraments of initiation. They will share with Catholics around the world the season of repentance, renewal, and recommitment. During this period they will receive copies of the Nicene Creed and the Lord’s Prayer on separate Sundays in their parish. These will be recited at every Sunday liturgy proclaiming the core beliefs of our Christian faith.
During the Easter Vigil, the catechumens are fully initiated into the Church. We congratulate them, welcome them to our community, and promise them our prayers on their journey of faith.
The final stage of the RCIA program is called post-baptismal catechesis of Mystagogy. The newly initiated are invited to fully participate with the faithful in the Sunday liturgy. They are also encouraged to continue to study scripture and to participate in the service mission of the parish. Although this concludes the RCIA program, the faith journey of the newly initiated, like our own, is a life-long process.
As a parish community we are revitalized as we journey with those in the RCIA. As we experience the conversion of our catechumens, we ourselves are converted to a stronger faith. If you or someone you know may be interested in inquiring about becoming a member of the Church, please contact Father Dino Laude ([email protected]) in the Parish Office at 724.479.3881.