R.C.I.A.

The new life in Christ is a gradual process, one that involves four steps: pre-catechumenate, catechumenate, Lenten purification and mystagogia. Along the way are key rites: acceptance, election and initiation.

• Pre-Catechumenate: the inquiry period when the person first calls the parish and meets with the pastor. This stage includes the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens. This rite is celebrated during Sunday Mass, the candidates for initiation are publicly welcomed for the first time.

• Catechumenate: the second stage of the initiation process, the time of formal training in the Christian way of life. There are two groups, the catechumens that are unbaptized and those who are baptized, either in a Catholic or Protestant, but not fully initiated into the Church. At this stage the candidate learns about the sacred Scriptures and the doctrines of the Church. Attendance at weekly Mass is made to hear the Word of God. In many parishes, the catechumens and candidates (those in the period of the catechumenate who are already baptized) are invited to leave the main body of the Church and meet with a catechist to discuss the Scriptures they heard proclaimed at Mass. When they have experienced a true conversion to the Christian way of life, about one year, they celebrate the second major ritual in the process of initiation which is the Rite of Election. This second major ritual of the RCIA usually occurs on the First Sunday of Lent. The catechumens have been elected by God to receive the sacraments of initiation and are called by name to sign the Book of the Elect.

• Period of Purification: this final period of preparation is one of intense, spiritual recollection that usually coincides with Lent. It is a period of purification reflection and prayer. The candidates, now called the elect, purify their minds and hearts by celebrating three purifying rituals, known as the Scrutinies, to strengthen the elect and help to complete their conversion. The Presentation of the Creed and the Lord’s Prayer enlighten the minds of the elect in the final weeks of their preparation for the sacraments. Sacrament of Initiation: At the Easter Vigil after sunset on Holy Saturday, the elect and possibly some previously baptized candidates celebrate the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism (for the unbaptized), Confirmation and Eucharist.

• Period of Mystagogy: After the Easter celebration the process of initiation continues during the Eastertide period of mystagogia signifying a deepening understanding of the mysteries of our faith. During the Easter season, the neophytes (newly initiated) gather each week to deepen their understanding of the paschal mystery. The Church uses the period of mystagogy to help the neophytes understand and live out their new lives as part of the Body of Christ.

At the completion of the RCIA program, having been fully immersed in the Catholic Faith, members of the community are invited to take an active role in the life of the parish. They are called to participate fully in the liturgical experience of the community and to offer their time and talent in the various groups and ministries that are elemental to the life of the parish.