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The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
(commonly known as the R.C.I.A.) is the normal way in which adults become full,
active, participating members of the Catholic Church.
The RCIA is not just a "convert class" with a
new name. It looks different. About RCIA
The Catholic Church welcomes new members
and tries to provide appropriate spiritual formation according
to each person’s needs. Some who come to us have had little or
no affiliation with, or religious training in, the Christian
faith. Others have been baptized and have been active members of
other Christian denominations. The process of formation is
called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).
RCIA is a communal process and involves
a number of stages which lead the unbaptized to the sacraments
of baptism, confirmation and first Eucharist at the Easter Vigil
at which time they become full members of the Roman Catholic
Church. The entire process takes several months or, for some, a
few years, but participants are invited to proceed at a pace
that individually suits them. RCIA meets weekly.
The RCIA
Process
RCIA has a gentle ebb and flow. Inquirers usually gather three
times during the year: after the New Year, after Easter, and in
the fall.
Period of
Inquiry
As soon as we have a few people, we begin the first stage of
RCIA the period of inquiry, also known as the precatechumenate.
This phase lasts about six to ten weeks. This is a time of
introduction to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and a time of
reflection on one’s own life in light of the values of the reign
of God. It is an unstructured time of no fixed duration, an
opportunity to ask questions and to allow the beginnings of
Christian faith to form.
·
Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens. In this
liturgical rite (usually celebrated during Mass), those who wish
to become catechumens publicly express their desire to follow
the way of Jesus. The people of Saint Clare Parish accept their
intention and welcome them into the household of faith as
catechumens.
Period of the
Catechumenate
The second phase lasts from three to nine
months. Along with the whole community, catechumens celebrate
the Liturgy of the Word at Mass each Sunday. After the homily,
the catechumens and members of the RCIA team (catechists)
continue to study and ponder the scriptures and the teachings of
the Church. During this time, catechumens receive anointings,
participate in prayers of exorcism and blessing, and take part
in the mission of the Church to the world. Through prayer,
learning and coming to know other Catholic Christians,
catechumens discover the love and power of God in their lives
and in the Church.
·
Election
or Enrollment of Names. At this liturgical rite, usually
celebrated on the first Sunday of Lent at the Cathedral of the
Blessed Sacrament, the archbishop formally acknowledges the
readiness of the catechumens and calls them to the sacraments of
initiation. The catechumens respond by expressing their desire
for these sacraments. From this time until they are baptized,
they are called the elect.
Period of
Purification and Enlightenment
On the first Sunday of Lent, the
catechumens begin the third stage, which ends at Easter Vigil
when the sacraments of initiation are celebrated. During this
period, the elect and the parish community of Saint Clare
together focus on conversion, scrutinize their lives in light of
the Gospel and celebrate the presentations of the Creed and
Lord’s Prayer.
·
Sacraments of Initiation. The elect become full members of
the Body of Christ, the Church, through the celebration of the
sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Eucharist at Easter
Vigil. From this time until the end of the period of Mystagogy,
they are known as neophytes, “new sprouts.”
Period of Mystagogy
The final stage, Mystagogy,
“living the mysteries,” occurs during the fifty-day Easter
season and beyond. Neophytes ponder the experience and meaning
of the sacraments and participate with the faithful in the
Eucharistic life of the Church and its mission for justice and
peace. Formation and teaching continue for one year to help the
neophytes become incorporated into the full life of the
Christian community. We are all living the mysteries.
RC.I.A. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
Want to become Catholic?
Want to learn more about the Catholic faith?
Join us Tuesdays from 7:00-8:00 pm. in the
Faculty Room of the school.
Summer Enquiry Sessions:
June 21 The Four Marks of the Church
June 28 Life In Christ
Fall sessions:
September 6 What is the R.C.I.A.? Special session
for new inquirers
September 13 Forms of Prayer, the Lord's Prayer, How
Prayer Works
September 20 The Creed: Holding on to Faith
September 27 Laying a Firm Foundation, Transmitting the
Faith
Bibliography for RCIA
·
Catechism of the Catholic
Church.
·
Catholic Study Bible.
·
David Currie. Born Fundamentalist, Born Again Catholic
(San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 1996).
·
The Essential Catholic
Handbook: A Summary of Beliefs, Practices, and Prayers (Liguori: Liguori
Publications, 2004).
·
Fr. Henry Graham. Where We Got the Bible (Tan Books &
Publishers, 2004).
·
Thomas Howard. On Being Catholic (San Francisco: Ignatius
Press, 1997).
·
Kevin Orlin Johnson. Why Do Catholics Do That? A Guide to the
Teachings and Practices of the Catholic Church (New York:
Ballantine Books, 1994).
·
Karl Keating. Catholicism and Fundamentalism: The Attack on
‘Romanism’ by Bible Christians (San Francisco: Ignatius
Press, 1988).
·
Al Kresta. Why Do Catholics Genuflect? (Charis Books,
2001).
·
C.S. Lewis. Mere Christianity (San Francisco: Harper,
2001).
·
Steve Ray. Crossing the Tiber (San Francisco: Ignatius
Press, 1997).
·
George Weigel. Letters to a Young
Catholic (Cambridge: Perseus Books Group, 2005).
An Invitation
If you or someone you know is interested in learning about the
Catholic faith, please get in touch with us. You may complete
the RCIA interview form in a personal meeting with Michelle
Brock, Director of Religious Education and RCIA
Coordinator. To set up an appointment, please call (313)
647-5057
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