The Rite of Christian Initiation
for Adults (RCIA)
Becoming Catholic: Christian Initiation for Adults
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a process that the Catholic Church helps people needing the sacraments, enter into life in the Catholic Faith, after hearing the mystery of Christ proclaimed, consciously and freely seek the living God, and enter the way of faith and conversion as the Holy Spirit open their hearts. RCIA of adults at St. Joseph’s parish, include individuals over 16 years old, who go through weekly catechesis in preparation for their sacraments and at the proper time, will receive them fruitfully.
RCIA is the modern form of the Catechumenate of the early days of church. Becoming Christian in the first five centuries involved a sharp break with other surrounding Roman culture. New Catholic Christians entered into a way of living which demanded deep commitment in time and effort, and often risked their lives to become Christian. In the modern world, our faith also demands deep commitment from us to attain our goal, but the beliefs of our society are often in tension.
RCIA is the modern form of the Catechumenate of the early days of church. Becoming Christian in the first five centuries involved a sharp break with other surrounding Roman culture. New Catholic Christians entered into a way of living which demanded deep commitment in time and effort, and often risked their lives to become Christian. In the modern world, our faith also demands deep commitment from us to attain our goal, but the beliefs of our society are often in tension.
Getting Started
To get started in the RCIA, you will first meet with the RCIA Coordinator to discuss your current status and to help you get registered. An Intake Form is completed, that includes personal and confidential information on your present and past status. There is no fee to start in the RCIA; but you will need to acquire all the materials you need (e.g., Bible, Catechism of the Catholic Church, a binder). You will then attend and participate in the group discussions in all the weekly meetings.
To begin the RCIA process, email dbeaumont@stjmod.com or call 209-661-8803.
To begin the RCIA process, email dbeaumont@stjmod.com or call 209-661-8803.
The RCIA Process
Stage One: Inquiry or Pre-Catechumenate Period
During this period, the Word of God is proclaimed and basic teachings of the Catholic Church are introduced, and the people are given ample time to ask questions and their questions answered. It ends with the Rite of Acceptance into the order of catechumens; and Rite of Welcome for those already baptized Catholic or in other Christian denomination.
Stage Two: Catechumenate or Evangelization Period
After spending several weeks in Inquiry and having been to Rite of Acceptance, the catechumens enter this period of Evangelization or Catechumenate. There is no set time for the catechumens to go through intense catechesis and other rites connected to the process. This period ends on the day the Catechumens go to the Rite of Election. For those who have been baptized Catholic or another Christian denomination, their period of Catechumenate ends in their Rite of the Call to Continuing Conversion.
Stage 3: Purification & Enlightenment
As Easter approaches and the catechumens have completed their catechesis and have been sent to the Rite of Election by the Bishop, the Elect (previously catechumens) are immersed in the Church’s prayers and love, to prepare them for the fruitful reception of their sacraments of initiation.
Stage 4 – Mystagogy or Post Baptismal Period
After the Neophytes receive their sacraments of initiation, they go through this final period of catechesis called Mystagogy. Now that they received their sacraments of initiation, what’s next? Now, it’s time for them to start their Catholic life. This is also the time for the Neophytes and the parish community grow together through prayers and action, such as; going to parish events, attending Holy Hour, attending the daily and Sunday masses, sharing the Eucharist, adoration to the Blessed Sacrament, doing works of charity, etc. This is also a good time for the Neophytes to discern and decide how they can share their gifts and talents to be good stewards to the parish.
During this period, the Word of God is proclaimed and basic teachings of the Catholic Church are introduced, and the people are given ample time to ask questions and their questions answered. It ends with the Rite of Acceptance into the order of catechumens; and Rite of Welcome for those already baptized Catholic or in other Christian denomination.
Stage Two: Catechumenate or Evangelization Period
After spending several weeks in Inquiry and having been to Rite of Acceptance, the catechumens enter this period of Evangelization or Catechumenate. There is no set time for the catechumens to go through intense catechesis and other rites connected to the process. This period ends on the day the Catechumens go to the Rite of Election. For those who have been baptized Catholic or another Christian denomination, their period of Catechumenate ends in their Rite of the Call to Continuing Conversion.
Stage 3: Purification & Enlightenment
As Easter approaches and the catechumens have completed their catechesis and have been sent to the Rite of Election by the Bishop, the Elect (previously catechumens) are immersed in the Church’s prayers and love, to prepare them for the fruitful reception of their sacraments of initiation.
- The Catechumens attend the Sunday masses and they get dismissed after the Homily (Dismissal), to reflect and study the Scripture at a deeper level. The other events that are celebrated for the Elect during this period are:
- the Scrutinies;
- the Presentation of the Creed;
- the Presentation of the Lord’s Prayer; and
- the Anointing with the Oil of Catechumens.
- This period for the Catechumens continues on until they receive their sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil mass.
- The Candidates (baptized Catholic or Christians), on the other hand, after their Penitential Rite, they move to the 14-Week Confirmation Preparation catechesis, on a different day. During this time, they are also prepared to make their first Confession, Confirmation and Eucharist.
- For those baptized Catholic, the Bishop has the authority to confirm them, unless he grants a special delegation of authority to the parish priest.
- To those baptized in other Christian denominations, the parish priest will receive them in full communion with the Catholic Church, that includes their Profession of the Catholic Faith and administering to them the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.
Stage 4 – Mystagogy or Post Baptismal Period
After the Neophytes receive their sacraments of initiation, they go through this final period of catechesis called Mystagogy. Now that they received their sacraments of initiation, what’s next? Now, it’s time for them to start their Catholic life. This is also the time for the Neophytes and the parish community grow together through prayers and action, such as; going to parish events, attending Holy Hour, attending the daily and Sunday masses, sharing the Eucharist, adoration to the Blessed Sacrament, doing works of charity, etc. This is also a good time for the Neophytes to discern and decide how they can share their gifts and talents to be good stewards to the parish.
