RCIA

The RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is a process through which non-baptized individuals enter the Catholic Church. It involves several stages marked by study, prayer, and rites at Mass. The goal is for participants, known as catechumens, to undergo a process of conversion as they study the Gospel, profess faith in Jesus and the Catholic Church, and receive the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and Holy Eucharist.

To prepare candidates step by step, the RCIA process typically includes the following stages and steps:

1. Inquiry: Interested individuals contact the Church or parish to express their desire to begin the RCIA process. A meeting is scheduled to discuss the process and answer any questions.

2. Rite of Acceptance: This step involves the formal acceptance of the candidates into the Order of Catechumens. It signifies their intention to continue their journey toward becoming Catholic.

3. Catechumenate: This is a period of study, prayer, and formation in which candidates deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith. They learn about the teachings, traditions, and practices of the Church.

4. Purification and Enlightenment: This step usually takes place during the season of Lent and involves the formal enrollment of the catechumens. The Church acknowledges their readiness to receive the sacraments of initiation. The candidates receive the sacrament of reconciliation.

5. Sacraments of Initiation: This is the culmination of the RCIA process and typically takes place during the Easter Vigil. The candidates receive the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and the Holy Eucharist.

6. Mystagogy: This stage follows the reception of the sacraments and is a time of continued formation and integration into the Catholic Church. It is a period of reflection and deepening of the newly initiated members' understanding of their faith.

Throughout the RCIA journey, candidates are encouraged to prayerfully discern if God is calling them to become Catholic. They are supported by the community and participate in formation programs to deepen their faith and understanding of the Catholic Church.

For those who have already been baptized in another Christian tradition, the process of becoming Catholic is different. They participate in a formation program to help them understand and experience the teachings and practices of the Catholic Church and make a profession of faith, but they are not baptized again. For Catholics who have been Baptized, Confirmed, and made First Communion but then drifted from the faith, the way they return is through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.