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Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)     

RCIA stands for Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. It refers to the process by which the Catholic Church brings adults into full communion with the Church through the preparation for and reception of the sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.

These three sacraments "lay the foundation of every Christian life... The faithful are born anew by Baptism, strengthened by the sacrament of Confirmation, and receive in the Eucharist the food of eternal life." (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1212)

Can you tell me more about the RCIA process?

The RCIA process is a journey that takes place within the Catholic community. We, the Church, will help and guide you through this process which is marked by four distinct periods:

1. Inquiry (PreCatechumenate) - This is the period where you inquire into specifics about the Catholic Church, its practices and its traditions. Once you reach the point of initial conversion you will be accepted by the Church as a “catechumen” in the Rite of Acceptance or as a “candidate” in the Rite of Welcoming. You will also be able to participate in the weekly Rite of Dismissal.
   
   

   REQUIRED TEXT - The United States Catholic Catechism for Adults as our primary text.  The book was published in July 2006 by the USCCB (US Conference of Catholic Bishops), but can be ordered online from most booksellers (such as Amazon.com), and is also available in local bookstores.  We encourage RCIA participants to get your book before the sessions begin in late August (average online price is about $17). 

   Catechumen - Someone who is unbaptized.
   Candidate - Someone who is baptized in another Christian faith OR a baptized and uncatechized Catholic who has not received Eucharist or Confirmation.
   Rite of Dismissal - After the Liturgy of the Word at weekly masses, Catechumens and Candidates are invited to the Chapel to reflect more deeply upon the scriptures of the day.

2. Growth (Catechumenate) - This begins the second period, a time for you to grow in faith and knowledge of God, Jesus, and the Church. At the end of this period, you are accepted by the Bishop through the Rite of Election or the Call to Continuing Conversion.

3. Preparation (Purification & Enlightenment) - This period is a time for spiritual growth and includes final preparation for receiving the actual sacraments of initiation. It ordinarily coincides with the Lenten season and preparation for the Easter celebration.

4. Mystagogy - This is a time for deepening your Christian experience and for entering more fully into the life and unity of the community.
   
   "In the sacraments of Christian initiation, we are freed from the power of darkness and joined to Christ's death, burial, and resurrection...Baptism incorporates us into Christ and forms us into God's people...Coming to the table of the Eucharist, we eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of Man so that we may have eternal life and show forth the unity of God's people...Finally, by signing us with the gift of the Spirit, Confirmation makes us more completely the image of the Lord and fills us with the Holy Spirit, so that we may bear witness to him before all the world and work to bring the body of Christ to its fullness as soon as possible." (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults - Study Edition)

What are the rites of the RCIA?

At the end of each period, a rite is celebrated to signify the continuation of the process until the sacraments of initiation are celebrated. The rites are:

 

• Rite of Acceptance - a celebration where the unbaptized inquirers publicly declare to the church their intentions to continue their faith journey. The church welcomes and accepts them as persons who intend to become its members. This Rite is usually adapted to accommodate baptized Inquirers who seek to become fully initiated into the Catholic Faith (Rite of Welcoming).

 

• Rite of Election - Based on testimony of godparents and catechists, and the Catechumens' reaffirmation, the Church declares their state of readiness to enter the final period in their faith journey. The Catechumens now called the "Elect" are strengthened to take part in the sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil. This rite is usually adapted to accommodate baptized Inquirers (now called Candidates) seeking full communion with the Catholic Church (Rite of Call to Continuing Conversion).

 

What is a Sponsor?

A sponsor is a fully-initiated practicing Catholic who will serve as a mentor and guide you through the RCIA journey. Sponsors represent the Catholic community and serve as companions in your journey. They will pray for and with you and listen to you as you share your thoughts, questions, and fears. S/he will share her/his faith with you as needed to help you understand how to live with Jesus at your side.

Who can be a Sponsor?

To be a sponsor, the person must meet the following qualifications:

• Have received all three sacraments of initiation - Baptism, Holy Eucharist and Confirmation
• Be participating in the Catholic Church on a regular basis
• Be available to participate in the rites for the RCIA candidates and catechumens
• Be able to attend the RCIA classes with you (optional requirement)

You may know someone that can serve as a sponsor for you. If you need a sponsor, let the RCIA leader know and a volunteer from the parish will be assigned to serve as your sponsor.

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact Parish Office or call 423.892.1261.

Questions?

• Are you interested in becoming Catholic or learn more about the Catholic Church?
• Are you a baptized Catholic but have not received the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist?
• Are you Catholic and feel called to share your faith with others?

If you answer 'yes' to any of these questions, then you may want to contact Parish Office or call 423.892.1261 to discuss your unique situation.