RCIA

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.)

What Is the R.C.I.A.?

The R.C.I.A. is a process in which those interested in the Catholic faith may look into the possibility of becoming Catholic and then journey through to full initiation into the Catholic community.

This process is divided into four phases. A liturgical ceremony or “rite” marks the transition from one phase to another. Phase I is called Pre-Catechumenate (or Inquiry). During this period interested persons explore their own faith and focus on Jesus and His message to discover if membership in the Catholic Church will deepen their experience of God. The Inquirer is always free. During this period of search, the Inquirers are asked, “Do you wish to continue?”

If the answer is “Yes” the Inquirers are welcomed by the community. For those who are not baptized this rite is known as the Rite of Acceptance. For those who are baptized but are seeking membership in the Catholic Church this rite is known as the Rite of Welcome. At this time the Catechumens (unbaptized) and the Candidates (baptized) enter into Phase II of the R.C.I.A. process.

Phase II is known as the Catechumenate for those who are not baptized. For those baptized but seeking full membership in the Catholic Church it is a time of Christian Formation. At the conclusion of Phase II the Catechumens and Candidates, along with their sponsors, are again asked if they are prepared to go forward.

If the Catechumens and Candidates are prepared to continue their journey, their sponsors and the community recommend them to the Bishop through the Rite of Sending, which takes place in the parish community, and the Rite of Election (unbaptized) or the Call to Continuing Conversion (baptized), which take place at the Cathedral in St. Paul. Upon being received by the Bishop the Catechumens are now known as the Elect and the Candidates continue to be known by that name. They now enter into Phase III of the R.C.I.A. process.

Phase III of this process takes place during Lent and is called Purification and Enlightenment (for the unbaptized) and Spiritual Preparation (for the baptized). During this phase the Elect and the Candidates concentrate on spiritual preparation for the Sacraments of Initiation.

At the Easter Vigil, celebrated on Holy Saturday night, the Elect and the Candidates are received into full communion in the Catholic Church through one or more of the Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. After this they are all referred to as Neophytes.

In the final phase the Neophytes are incorporated more fully into the life of the parish. This period is called Mystagogia (Mysteries) because it represents a period for the Neophytes to examine and become familiar with the mysteries of their faith.

If you would like more information and/or discuss your questions, contact Marianne Brass at (952) 431-5222, ext. 207, e-mail marianne.brass@risensavior.org.

 Click Here to See the Candidates, Sponsors and Team for 2009.

 Download the Calendar of classes for the year.