What is RCIA?
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is the process by which one explores faith and life in the Catholic tradition. The Rite is modeled after the initiation process used in the first centuries of the early Church. It includes a combination of study, prayer, and participation in the liturgy and certain rites at Mass. Participants, known as catechumens, undergo a process of conversion as they study the Gospel, profess their faith in Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church, and receive the Sacraments of Christian Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.
This excerpt of Come to the Water, which follows a year in the lives of men and women participating in RCIA in the Archdiocese of Seatlle, comes courtesy of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)
How Long Does RCIA Take?
How long does it take for any relationship to develop? We all journey on different paths at different times. The Period of the Catechumenate, or period of instruction, can last for as long as several years or for a shorter time. It all depends on how the catechumen is growing in the faith. When a catechumen and the RCIA Team believe the individual is ready to make a full faith commitment to Jesus and the Catholic Church, a request is made and the Rite of Election celebrated.
There are several, distinct periods of formation. Some occur during certain times in our church year. Others are ongoing and tailored to an individual's journey.
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Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate
This period is also known as the Period of Inquiry. After consultation with an advisor, the "inquirer" may decide to seek acceptance into the Order of Catechumens or Candidates. -
The Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens and The Rite of Welcoming the Candidates
In both the Rite of Acceptance (non-baptized inquirers) and the Rite of Welcoming (validly-Christian baptized inquirers), the inquirer states his or her desire to become a member of the Catholic Church and the assembly affirms that desire, welcoming the individual into the catechumenate. -
Rite of Election
The Rite of Election, held on the first Sunday of Lent, enrolls the names of "the elect" seeking the sacraments of Christian Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) at the coming Easter Vigil, which is known as the Rite of Reception.
RCIA offers classes for men, women and children in grades 3 through 12, who are validly-baptized Christians but not Roman Catholics, into full communion with the Catholic Church through the receipt of the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.
What If I Am Not Already Baptized?
RCIA offers classes for men, women and children aged 6 or older into full communion with the Catholic Church through the receipt of the sacraments of Christian Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist).
RCIA Sessions for Adults
Groups form periodically and then meet regularly, typically on Monday evenings from 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM.
RCIA Sessions for Children and Teens
Groups form periodically and then meet regularly, from September through May, typically on Monday evenings from 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM. RCIA sessions involving children and teens is one of family catechesis, with parents attending the weekly sessions with their child.
RCIA Team
The preparation of adults, children and teens for the sacraments of Christian Initiation is the responsibility of the entire parish community. The RCIA team exercises this responsibility in different roles.
- Sponsors are companions to adult seekers as they walk the journey to initiation.
- Ministers of hospitality provide refreshments for weekly meetings and for celebrations.
- Catechists lead the sessions of Breaking Open the Word on Sundays and facilitate weekly sessions.
Groups form periodically. If you are interested in learning more about RCIA or consulting with an advisor, Contact Us or submit the following.
