The RCIA is the modern form of the "catechumenate" of the early days of the Church. Becoming Christian in the first five centuries involved a sharp break with the surrounding Roman culture. New Catholic Christians entered into a way of living which demanded deep commitment and often risked their lives to become Christian. In the modern world, our faith also demands deep commitment -- our beliefs and the beliefs of our society are often in tension.

Step One: Meet with an RCIA team member who will help you get started. When you begin the process there is no obligation on your part. The first meetings are called inquiry and they are a chance for you to ask questions, receive the good news of Catholic Christian life and open the way for spiritual growth.

Step Two: At the Rite of Acceptance, those who are ready may enter into a deeper relationship with the Church and begin their formal preparation for the Sacraments of Initiation within the Catechumenate.
In the days leading up to the celebration of Easter the members of the Catechumenate enter into a period of intense preparation. Those who will be received into the Church are immersed in the Church’s prayers and love to prepare for fruitful reception of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion).

>  www.acmrcia.org

>  www.dioceseofstockton.org/english/faith/becoming.html

>  www.rciablog.com

Heidi Sierras of Ceres, California, was baptized by Pope Benedict XVI in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome on April 11, 2009.
The 29-year-old California woman represented the peoples of North America at Benedict’s Solemn Easter Mass in Rome. Adults wishing to become Catholic must attend weekly classes for one to two years, but Sierras has chosen to spend almost three years preparing for this papal baptism.
Married into a Catholic family yet unbaptized, Sierras attended Catholic Masses with her husband, Dan Sierras, for ten years. She began to prepare for Catholic baptism in August 2006 with the encouragement of her husband and mother-in-law.
Heidi was completing her preparation for baptism in March of 2008 when the papal honor, approved by the Most Reverend Stephen E. Blaire, Bishop of Stockton, was granted by the Vatican.
The Vatican requires that nominees for papal baptism be fully prepared for initiation by their parishes, and then complete an additional year until the following Easter.
Sierras, her husband and their two older children, along with her church sponsors arrived in Rome just before Palm Sunday. During the week leading up to Easter, Heidi attended spiritual seminars provided by the Vatican and visited the major basilicas in the Eternal City.

Video teachings, sermons and blog posts from Fr. Robert Barron "the video blogging priest" and creator of the soon to be released Catholicsm Project video series.
www.wordonfire.org