Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)
RCIA is a process by which people (12 years and older) become full
members of the Roman Catholic Church. Full membership in the Catholic
Church involves a total formation process which culminates in the
sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. It
involves a journey of faith and conversion through which a person is
introduced to church belief, life, liturgy and apostolic work. RCIC is
for those who are 12 to 18 years old.
For Whom is it Intended?
For Whom is it Intended?
RCIA is designed primarily for those desiring Baptism. Since
baptized Christians from other denominations may be seeking membership
in the Catholic Church, the RCIA process is adapted to their needs as
well. The RCIA process is also open to baptized Catholics who would
like to complete their initiation as members of the Church and are
seeking Confirmation and to those who are not Catholic and wish to know
more about the faith in order to raise their children Catholic
How Does it Operate?
The process of full initiation into the church has five stages, beginning with the Period of Inquiry. This is the time for questions, finding out more about the Church and the life of faith.
How Does it Operate?
The process of full initiation into the church has five stages, beginning with the Period of Inquiry. This is the time for questions, finding out more about the Church and the life of faith.
Normally it lasts for 8-10 weeks but may be extended as long as an
individual desires. Not all inquirers decide to enter the Church or to
complete their initiation. This is entirely up to the individual.
The Period of Catechumenate follows. Candidates for initiation
who wish Baptism, full communion with the Church or Confirmation will
use this time to deepen their life of faith and to continue to discover
the power of God’s love for them. It is a time to listen and reflect
on the gospel of Jesus in the light of one’s own life history.
The Period of Purification and Enlightenment begins on the first
Sunday of Lent. It is a continuation of the reflection of scripture of
one’s own life. The focus now is on Lenten themes. Candidates will be
encouraged to grow in prayer, works of charity and sacrifice. They are
normally chosen to be admitted to full initiation at Easter at the Rite
of Election.
Full Initiation into the Catholic Church takes place at the Easter
Vigil through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.
Christians of other denominations already baptized are received into
full communion with the Catholic Church at this time. Candidates for
Confirmation only will be confirmed shortly after Easter.
The last stage is the Mystagogia, a time of 50 days from Easter to
Pentecost when the new church members will become better integrated
into the community of faith, will reflect further on their
understanding of the Easter sacraments and discover how they can
participate in the apostolate of the Church into which they have been
newly welcomed.
How Long Does it Take?
Since the process of conversion is unique to each individual, the length of time spent in preparation for the Easter sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) will differ for each person. Normally it will run for one year. It could go longer according to a person’s desires and needs.
How Long Does it Take?
Since the process of conversion is unique to each individual, the length of time spent in preparation for the Easter sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) will differ for each person. Normally it will run for one year. It could go longer according to a person’s desires and needs.
The sacraments of initiation are ordinarily celebrated only once a
year at Easter Vigil Mass. A special date will be set for adult
baptized Catholics seeking Confirmation only.