Become Catholic: The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
-
The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus.
Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them,
"What are you looking for?’
They said to him, "Rabbi, where are you staying?"
He said to them, "Come, and you will see." -John 1:37-39
Perhaps you are married to a Catholic and are bringing your children up in this faith tradition. Or you attended a wedding or funeral of a friend or loved one and would like to explore this faith tradition more deeply. Maybe it is an interest in Catholic social teaching or an experience of the sacraments. Or perhaps you have a friend or family member who is Catholic and their present life is an inspiration.The Catholic Church has a special process to help you learn more: the RCIA.
RCIA stands for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, where the faith journey of an individual is honored. Entering the RCIA is not a commitment to joining the Roman Catholic Church. The RCIA is, however, the process through which persons may join or complete their initiation into the Catholic faith.
Is the RCIA for me?
The RCIA is for three groups of people:
- People interested in finding out more about being a Catholic Christian.
- Those who have decided they wish to be baptized in the Catholic Church.
- Those who were baptized in another faith, and would like to become Catholic.
How does the RCIA work?
The RCIA consists of four periods of formation which are marked by rituals that celebrate what has been completed and call a person into the next phase.
- The Inquiry or Precatechumenate
- The Catechumenate
- The Lenten period of Purification and Enlightenment
- Mystagogy or a time of deeper understanding of the mysteries
The RCIA at Blessed Sacrament seeks to fulfill what the church has instructed in the Second Vatican Council, in the document Ad Gentes:
14. Those who, through the Church, have accepted from God a belief in Christ are admitted to the catechumenate by liturgical rites. The catechumenate is not a mere expounding of doctrines and precepts, but a training period in the whole Christian life, and an apprenticeship duty drawn out, during which disciples are joined to Christ their Teacher. Therefore, catechumens should be properly instructed in the mystery of salvation and in the practice of Gospel morality, and by sacred rites which are to be held at successive intervals, they should be introduced into the life of faith, of liturgy, and of love, which is led by the People of God.
To find out more, please contact:
James Lachance, james@blessedsacramentnc.org
David Lynch, davidlynch@triad.rr.com