Becoming Catholic

Becoming a Catholic

Adults enter the Catholic Church through a spiritual formation process called The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (often shortened to RCIA). RCIA sessions are held weekly and over the course of several months those who attend the RCIA sessions are educated on what the Catholic Church believes and are given the opportunity to ask question about those beliefs. The participants also have the opportunity to experience several ritual ceremonies.

Because RCIA is a process, a person needs only have a commitment to be open to the experience, which will allow them to make a final decision to become Catholic at a later date. Those who are merely curious about what Catholicism is should feel free to contact us. All are welcome.

 
 
Outline of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
 
The following is a general outline of the process followed by those embarking on the journey to becoming a fully initiated Catholic.
 
Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate
This is the first period of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults; it begins when a person contacts the parish and expresses an interest in exploring the possibility of becoming a Catholic. During this period the inquirer is given the initial introduction into the Christian way of life in the Catholic Tradition. The inquirer’s faith stories and questions are shared and explored in light of the Gospel. It is also a period of evangelization on the part of the Church.
 

First Step: Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens
This is the liturgical rite marking the beginning of the catechumenate proper, as the candidates express and the Church accepts their intention to respond to God’s call to follow the way of Christ.
 

Period of the Catechumenate
This is the second period of the Rite of Christian Initiation of adults, which involves intense preparation in word, worship, community life and apostolic works. The catechumens (those who are unbaptized) and candidates (those who have been baptized) journey in faith as they take time to deepen faith/conversion within the living community.
 

Second Step: Election of Enrollment of Names
This is the liturgical rite, usually celebrated on the First Sunday of Lent, by which the Church formally ratifies the catechumens’ readiness for the sacraments of initiation, and the catechumens, now the elect, express the will to receive these sacraments.
 

Period of Purification and Enlightenment

This third period of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults immediately precedes the elect’s initiation, usually coinciding with the Lenten season. It is a time of reflection, intensely centered on conversion, marked by celebration of the scrutinies, presentations, and the preparation rites on Holy Saturday.
 

Third Step: Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation
This is the liturgical rite, usually integrated into the Easter Vigil, by which the elect are initiated through baptism, confirmation and Eucharist.
 

Period of Postbaptismal Catechesis or Mystagogy
This is the final period of the Rite of Christian Initiation of adults. Neophytes (those who are newly initiated) gather to unfold the mysteries of the faith, witness to their experiences, and strengthen their mission to be disciples of Christ.
 

For more information contact the Church at [email protected]