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

This very important program of total formation in the Catholic faith and way of life is intended for the following:

• Unbaptized persons who are considering the Catholic Faith
• Baptized Christians who are not Catholic but desire to be received into full communion of the Catholic Church
• Baptized Catholics who wish to receive the Sacrament of First Eucharist and/or Confirmation
• Inactive Catholics who wish to return to active participation in the Church
• Catholics, indeed anyone, who simply wants to learn more about the Catholic faith.

Those who have never been baptized enter a “Period of Inquiry” during which they hear the preaching of the Mystery of Christ, the Holy Spirit opens their hearts and they freely and knowingly seek the Living God and enter the path of faith and conversion.

Inquirers then join others interested in the faith, for the more formal sessions that begin in October. This part of the R.C.I.A. is in four stages:

• Pre-Catechumenate/Pre-Candidacy (a time for basic instruction and listening to the Gospel)
• Catechumenate/Candidacy (a time for complete catechesis)
• Purification & Enlightenment (a more profound and prayerful preparation during Lent)
• Mystagogia (post-initiation catechesis during the Easter Season)