Rites of Christian Initiation of Adults           

What is RCIA     |

RCIA Process  |

    What Is RCIA?

    The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults’ (RCIA)

RCIA is the process (a gradual process of a growing relationship) by which adults ordinarily become full-fledged Catholics. It is primarily a process that is filled with rites, ceremonies and celebrations with prescribed words and focus (learning and decision making that adults pass through in their faith development). Each stage of the process is ritually celebrated with special prayers and liturgical ceremony in the presence of the worshipping community.

    Basic Concepts of the RCIA

  • Conversion is a process

  • Becoming Catholic is coming into a community of believers

  • The RCIA takes place in an experience of community

  • The RCIA stages are celebrated in community with appropriate liturgical rites

  • The RCIA experience follows the flow of the liturgical seasons through a lectionary-based approach

  • The RCIA process encourages authentic Catholicity

    •     The RCIA Process

    Phase One
    (2-3 months)

    Transition to
    Phase Two

    Phase Two
    (8 months)

    Transition to
    Phase Three

    Pre-Catechumenate, Inquiry,

    Pre-Evangelisation

    People in this phase are called "Inquirers"

    Rite of Acceptance into the Catechumenate

    Those not baptized are called "Catechumens". Baptised Christians seeking communion with the Catholic Church are called "Candidates"

    Catechumenate

    Catechumens and candidates study the Catholic Faith.

    Rite of Election

    Catechumens entering the Purification and Enlightenment Phase are called the Elect.

    Phase Three
    (1 month)

    Transition to
    Phase Four

    Phase Four
    (2 months)

    		  

    Period of Purification & Enlightenment (Lenten Period)

    The elect engage in Lenten practice and celebrate the scrutinizes with the community.

    Initiation at Easter Vigil/Christmas

    Once initiated into the church, the elect are Neophytes.

    Mystagogy – Entering Deeper into the Mysteries

    Neophytes claim a new role of service in the community. Final celebration of RCIA .

    		  

        The Process Explained

                Phase One: Period of Inquiry

                    The first phase on the journey of faith. It’s a time of getting acquainted, feeling comfortable in the company of other seekers
                    and Catholics and getting answers to questions.

         First Liturgical Rite: Acceptance into the Catechumenate
          The rite of acceptance into the catechumenate is the celebration of the inquirers’ intention to become Catholic and 
          seriously continue the journey of faith towards baptism.     

                Phase Two – The Catechumenate

         The catechumenate phase marks the beginning of formal instructions in the faith; learning the basics of faith and how to
         live the Catholic way of life. The catechumenate focuses on Jesus, his teachings, the Church and sacraments. 
        Unbaptised inquirers are called catechumens and inquirers coming into the Church from another Christian
        denomination are called candidates. During the catechumenate, catechumens and candidates take part in the Sunday
        Liturgy of the word. They do not participate in the Eurcharist, leaving the assembly after the homily to explore the
        meaning of the Scriptures (breaking the Word).  Sponsors are assigned to each catechumen and candidate who walks
        the faith journey.

        Second Liturgical Rite: The Rite of Sending & Rite of Election

        The parish celebrates this transition and sends the catechumens and candidates with a blessing through the rite of
        sending.  Catechumens and candidates are officially called to the sacraments by the bishop in the rite of election.
        Catechumens are now called Elects. 

        Phase Three: Lenten Period of Purification & Enlightenment

        The third phase, ordinarily coincides with the Lenten season, which is a time of reconciliation, prayer, and spiritual
        renewal for the whole church. During Lent the parish celebrates the scrutinize including exorcisms the elects.

        Immediate Preparation for the Easter Vigil – Retreat & Reflection

        An immediate preparation for the Easter Vigil or at another appropriate time before the initiation, it is a period of
        retreat, spiritual reflection, and celebration pf preparatory rite – the ephpahatha (Mark 7:34-35) or opening of the
        senses and the declaration of a baptismal name. 

       Celebration of the Paschal Mystery – Christian Initiation

        The celebration of the Lord’s Resurrection at Easter Vigil is the climax of the liturgical year. At this liturgy, we
        welcome the elect and candidates into full Catholic Sacramental life. They then continue their formation in the final state
        of the process.

        Phase Four: Mystagogy

        The last phase of the RCIA, the mystagogy, means entering more deeply into the mystery. New Catholics use this time
        to reflect and the parish community helps them to begin participating actively in parish mystery. 

    The RCIA & You – Welcoming New Catholics
    1999, Charlene Altemose, MSC

     

     

     

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