Adult Formation
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)
The History of RCIA
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) was one of the sacramental rites revised after Vatican II in 1972. It is a restoration of the ancient practice of initiation into the church. It is the parish community doing the initiation, through its witness, worship, service and catechesis. This offers the invitation and support necessary for women and men to be initiated into the Catholic Church.
RCIA is a sacramental journey dealing with conversion (meaning change of heart, a turning around) that prepares individuals and communities for a particular way of life in the Catholic Church.
- RCIA is intended to facilitate the conversion experience; to answer the question: What am I seeking with God?
- RCIA respects each person’s experience of conversion and tries to accommodate and adapt the journey to each individual. RCIA is not about denigrating other faiths.
- RCIA creates time and space for faith sharing from a Catholic basis. It is a way of exploring the Catholic Faith.
- RCIA is celebrated within the context of the community and challenges the community to deepen its own conversion.
- RCIA emphasizes the close relationship between liturgy (public and group worship) and catechesis (teaching Christianity).
- RCIA celebrates the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation) at the Easter Vigil.
- RCIA affirms the responsibility for ministry and service for all baptized people in the parish community.
There are stages and rites celebrated in the RCIA journey.
- Inquiry and Pre-Catechumenate
This is a period of asking questions, telling our stories and beginning to name the various ways Catholics relate to God. During this time the catechumens (those who need to be Baptized) and candidates (those who are baptized but wish to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation) celebrate the Rite of Welcoming during a weekend Mass. The parish community is asked to welcome, accept and pray for them as they journey. They each receive a Bible. It is at this time that they ask themselves–Have I reached a point in my faith journey where I want to continue to explore the Catholic Faith?
- Catechumenate
This is a period from January to the first Sunday of Lent where catechesis becomes more focused and regular. They explore the history of the Church, the sacraments and Catholic teachings on social justice and morality. On the first Sunday of Lent, those who have decided to continue this journey are presented to both our parish community (Rite of Sending) and to Bishop Ricken (Rite of Election) writing their names in the Book of the Elect. This book is for those ready to declare their desire to continue the journey to be part of the Catholic Faith Community.
- Purification and Enlightenment
This stage occurs during Lent and leads up to Holy Week and the Easter Vigil, the liturgical high point of the Church year. The focus is on Jesus and what he did and said during the events of the Passion. We will have a retreat and then end with the Easter Vigil celebration. This evening is a time of great joy for the catechumens, candidates and their sponsors as they are accepted into the Catholic Church, Baptized, receive their First Communion and Confirmation.
- Mystagogy
This is a time for the catechumens and candidates to sit back and reflect on their faith journey, recognize their gifts and enter into ministry in the church community.
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)
Are you curious about the Catholic Faith? Do you have questions you would like ask? This spiritual formation program is for adults who were never baptized, those from other faith traditions, and those who were baptized Catholic but would like to learn more. I am the coordinator of the RCIA process and would love to sit with you to give you an opportunity to ask your questions. Please feel free to call me at 336-7768 or e-mail me rbaloun@gbres.org to find a time when we can meet.