RCIA

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Interested in Finding Out More?

RCIA is a process of study, exploration, faith-sharing, and faith formation with specific liturgical rites for those who want to grow deeper in their relationship with God while learning about the Catholic faith. RCIA is for non-baptized adults who desire to be fully initiated into the Roman Catholic Church and/or baptized adult Christians who desire full communion in the Roman Catholic Church.

Adults or older children who have not been baptized and desire to join the Church are invited into the ancient celebration of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. During this process, which is marked by regular ritual acts, participants are introduced to the liturgy, the teachings, and the life of the Catholic Church. 

Adults or older children who were baptized in another Christian denomination prepare in a similar way for the sacraments of Confirmation and the Eucharist during their reception into the Catholic Church. 

RCIA is a Journey

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults is a process that proceeds over weeks and months. It has several steps:

Rite of Initiation

The first Rite in the RCIA process, the Rite of Initiation accepts new members into the worshiping community. 

Catechumenate

The longest part of the process, the Catechumenate is a time of learning and formation in the traditions and doctrine of the Catholic Church. This is a time for sharing stories, reading scripture, and studying the Church customs, traditions and doctrine. Participants also participate in worship services. 

Purification and Enlightenment

This is a six-week period that parallels the season of Lent.  It is a time of deep discernment and preparation for the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil. 

Rite of Election

Catechumens are sent from the parish to be Elected by the Bishop to receive the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil.

Sacraments of Initiation

At the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night, the Elect and Candidates who have been journeying through RCIA are welcomed formally into the community of believers by receiving the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Holy Eucharist. 

Mystagogy

This is a time of reflection and celebration after the formal reception into the Catholic Church. Mystagogia means "leading into the mystery" and it is a time to explore the deep mystery of our faith by delving into an even deeper prayer life and relationship with Jesus in order to become missionary disciples who will go out and share the Gospel with others. 

For more information, please contact Julianne Staley at (615) 833-5520 or [email protected] or CLICK HERE.