The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the process by which adults and children of catechetical age enter a multi-stage process by which they become fully initiated into the Catholic Church, being welcomed during the Easter Vigil and receive and sacraments of baptism, eucharist and confirmation.

A rite re-introduced as a result of the Second Vatican Council, RCIA consists of various periods of preparation, each marked by the celebration of a rite, which became effective and mandatory for all dioceses in the Church as of September 1, 1988.  It brings to the celebration of the RICA the periods and times of reflection and study originally used in the church from time immemorial wherein the church welcomes new members as a result of periods of study and reflection upon the Word, Sacred Scripture.  As a catechumen (those who receive all three sacraments of initiation) or as a candidate (those baptized Christians who are brought into full communion with the Church) the fullness of the faith as found in scripture is presented by other members of the parish in a truly meaningful way.RCIARegistrationForm  RCIA confirmation registration Form .

For those seeking more information as to the Process of the RCIA, see TeamRCIA.com.

R.C.I.A. Bulletin Blurbs

General Invitation

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (or R.C.I.A.) is a process for those who would like to learn more about the Catholic faith and prepare to enter the Church through the Sacraments of Initiation.

Who can be a part of the R.C.I.A.?

• Someone who is unbaptized.
• A baptized Christian who is interested in the Catholic Church.
• A baptized Catholic who has not received 1st Reconciliation, 1st Holy Communion and / or Confirmation.
• A Catholic who would like to know more about their faith.

If this describes you or someone you know please contact us at -office@anthonyandrita.com

The following announcements were adapted from the “Christian Initiation of Adults” on the USCCB webpage below.  https://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/who-we-teach/christian-initiation-of-adults

The Precatechumenate

When someone has had an encounter with Jesus Christ, wants to know more about Jesus.This initial period of inquiry is known as the Precatechumenate. The length of this process, which is focused on answering the questions of the inquirer, varies from person to person. After a time, the inquirer may seek to enter the Catechumenate (the formal process of formation to become a member of the Catholic Church) through the Rite of Acceptance.

The Rite of Acceptance

The Rite of Acceptance marks the end of the “Inquiry” Period (ie. the Precatechumenate) and the beginning of the Catechumenate. During this Rite, the inquirer stands before the parish community and states their desire to become a baptized member of the Catholic Church. Inquirers are now known as Catechumens.

The Catechumenate

The Catechumenate is the formal process of formation to become a member of the Catholic Church. Through attendance at Sunday Mass, weekly sessions and personal reflection, Catechumens grow in relationship with Jesus Christ, knowledge of the Scriptures and the teachings of the Church.  When a Catechumen, the priest and the parish team agree that the person is ready to receive the Sacraments of Initiation in the Catholic Church, the Catechumen requests baptism and attends the Rite of Election with their Sponsor.

The Rite of Election

The Catechumens, their sponsors and families gather at the cathedral church of the diocese for the Rite of Election on the first Sunday of Lent.  Catechumens from all over the diocese who will receive baptism at the next Easter Vigil publicly express their desire for this sacrament to the diocesan bishop. Their names are recorded in the Book of the Elect.  Catechumens are now called the Elect.

The Period of Purification and Enlightenment

The season of Lent marks the final period of the R.C.I.A. process called the Period of Purification and Enlightenment.  This period concludes with the Easter Vigil. Lent is a period of preparation marked by spiritual direction for all of the faithful.  This is especially true of the Elect, and prayers for them are intensely offered on their behalf by the parish community.

The Scrutinies

The Scrutinies are Rites which take place within Sunday Mass on the third, fourth and fifth Sundays of Lent.  They are short, but powerful infusions of grace for the Elect which help them to grow in conversion, Christian discipleship, love of God and neighbor and to deepen their resolve to come to the font of Baptism and the Table of the Lord at the Easter Vigil.

The Easter Vigil

The Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation takes place during the Easter Vigil Liturgy on Holy Saturday.  At this Mass,  the Elect receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist.  The Elect are now fully initiated into the Catholic Church and are known as Neophyes, a word which means “Newly Planted.”

The Period of Mystagogy and the Neophyte Year

Newly initiated Catholics, called Neophytes (meaning “Newly Planted”) continue their formation and education in the Period of the Post-Baptismal Catechesis. This period continues at least until Pentecost. During this period the newly baptized members of the Church reflect on their experiences at the Easter Vigil and continue to learn more about the mission to “go out to all the world” with the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ.

What is meant by coming into full communion with the Church?

Coming into full communion with the Catholic Church describes the process for entrance into the Catholic Church for those who are already baptized Christians. In most cases, these individuals make a profession of faith but are not baptized again. To prepare for this reception, the people, who are called Candidates, usually participate in a formation program to help them understand the practices of the Catholic Church.

Although some preparation may be with Catechumens preparing for baptism, the preparation for Candidates is different since they have already been baptized The Candidates may be received into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil and readiness of the Candidate.

Is there a ceremony or preparation for Catholics who never or seldom have practiced the faith?

For Catholics who have been Baptized, Confirmed and received first Holy Communion but then drifted from the practice of the faith, the way they return is through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Catholics who were baptized but never received the sacrament of Reconciliation, Confirmation and/or Eucharist should participate in a period of formation. This process of formation is completed with the reception of the Sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Communion often at the Easter Vigil.

What is the role of sponsors and godparents for an adult being baptized?

Sponsors accompany Catechumens in their journey of faith and formation from the Rite of Acceptance to the Rite of Election.  Catechumens may choose one or two godparents, who will be with them from the Rite of Election, the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation, and through the Period of Mystagogy. Both sponsors and godparents are called to show them a good example of the Christian life, support and sustain them in moments of hesitancy and anxiety, answer questions, bear witness, and guide their progress in the baptismal life.