Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (R.C.I.A.)
What is it?
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.) is the way in which adults come to learn about and experience the Christian life through the viewpoint of Roman Catholicism. Following this, they become initiated into the life of our Church through the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist.
The RCIA is not new as it returns to the earliest traditions of the Church, having taken place between the second and the fifth centuries of the Christian era! The RCIA takes place in the midst of the Christian community, thus allowing the entire community to reflect upon the value of their faith, to renew their own conversion, and by their example, to lead those who are searching to be open to the presence of the Spirit in their lives.
The RCIA is not new as it returns to the earliest traditions of the Church, having taken place between the second and the fifth centuries of the Christian era! The RCIA takes place in the midst of the Christian community, thus allowing the entire community to reflect upon the value of their faith, to renew their own conversion, and by their example, to lead those who are searching to be open to the presence of the Spirit in their lives.
Our very own, Greg Garda, was initiated into the
Catholic Church in February of 2011! |
Sacraments of InitiationBaptism
Confirmation Eucharist Catechumen vs CandidateCatechumen- an unbaptized person preparing for full initiation
Candidate- a baptized Christian preparing to become a Catholic |
The Full R.C.I.A. Process
Inquiry- This is the first stage, a period of inquiry and maturing, as well as a time for hearing the first preaching of the Gospel, and of prayer. After this, the person may decide to enter the Catholic Church through the RCIA process. The end of this period is marked by the first stage, which is celebrated by the entire community: "The Rite of Becoming A Catechumen."
Rite of Acceptance/Catechumenate- The second period is called the Catechumenate. This is a time of more intense preaching and teaching of the Gospel, prayer, spiritual direction, catechesis - the handing on the specific Roman Catholic traditions and personal contact with members of the larger Christian community. Though this is the primary learning phase, it is also a time of tremendous growth. This period ends with "The Rite of Election" when the Catechumens are ready to respond totally to God's call of faith through the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist.
Rite of Election- The third period takes place during Lent in which the Catechumen becomes part of the elect. It is a time of purification and enlightenment or illumination for a more profound spiritual preparation. Its focus and conclusion is the Easter Vigil celebration and the Sacraments of Initiation. The final period takes place during the Easter Season. The newly baptized are able to deepen their experience of the Sacraments and of being new members of the Christian community.
Mystagogy- Often forgotten, this is the final stage, a period of growth, which will continue throughout the remainder of the individual's life. These new members of the Catholic Church, will learn to strengthen their faith and apply it to their daily life. In addition, through the renewed call to evangelize by becoming a faithful disciple of Jesus, encountering Him on a personal level, and by proclaiming the Good News as a witness to Christ.
If you are interested in becoming a Catholic and a member of the Brock Catholic Community, please contact our Chaplain of Sacramental Life, Fr. Rico Passero. You will then be referred to the RCIA team.
Rite of Acceptance/Catechumenate- The second period is called the Catechumenate. This is a time of more intense preaching and teaching of the Gospel, prayer, spiritual direction, catechesis - the handing on the specific Roman Catholic traditions and personal contact with members of the larger Christian community. Though this is the primary learning phase, it is also a time of tremendous growth. This period ends with "The Rite of Election" when the Catechumens are ready to respond totally to God's call of faith through the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist.
Rite of Election- The third period takes place during Lent in which the Catechumen becomes part of the elect. It is a time of purification and enlightenment or illumination for a more profound spiritual preparation. Its focus and conclusion is the Easter Vigil celebration and the Sacraments of Initiation. The final period takes place during the Easter Season. The newly baptized are able to deepen their experience of the Sacraments and of being new members of the Christian community.
Mystagogy- Often forgotten, this is the final stage, a period of growth, which will continue throughout the remainder of the individual's life. These new members of the Catholic Church, will learn to strengthen their faith and apply it to their daily life. In addition, through the renewed call to evangelize by becoming a faithful disciple of Jesus, encountering Him on a personal level, and by proclaiming the Good News as a witness to Christ.
If you are interested in becoming a Catholic and a member of the Brock Catholic Community, please contact our Chaplain of Sacramental Life, Fr. Rico Passero. You will then be referred to the RCIA team.