The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is a process of inquiry, preparation, prayer, and study for adults seeking to become full members of the Roman Catholic Church.
RCIA Workshops
Pre-catechumenate/Inquiry Period: An individual who has not been baptized into any Christian communion may come to some knowledge of Jesus Christ and begin to consider his or her relationship with Jesus Christ. For some, this process involves a long period of searching, for others, a shorter time. Often, contact with people of faith and a personal faith experience lead people to inquire about the Catholic Church. After a conversation with a priest, deacon, or RCIA Team member, the person is known as an "inquirer."
Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens: After inquiry, the person may choose to continue the process of study and prayer and be received as a CATECHUMEN, one who is seriously preparing to receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist)
Period of the Catechumenate: This is a time of study for several months or longer. The Catechumens consider what God is saying to them in the Scriptures, what changes in their life they need to make to respond to God's inspiration, and what Baptism in the Catholic Church means.
Rite of Election includes the enrollment of names of all the Catechumens seeking baptism at the coming Easter Vigil. Typically, on the first Sunday of Lent, the Catechumens, their sponsors, and families gather at the cathedral church. The Catechumens publicly express their desire for baptism to the diocesan bishop. Their names are recorded in a book and they are called the Elect.
Period of Purification and Enlightenment: Leading up to the Easter Vigil, Lent is a period of preparation marked by prayer, study, and spiritual direction for the Elect, and prayers for them by the parish communities.
Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation: This takes place during the Easter Vigil Liturgy on Holy Saturday when the Elect receives the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist. Now the person is fully initiated into the Catholic Church.
Period of the Post Baptismal Catechesis, which is also called Mystagogy: This period continues at least until Pentecost. During the period, the newly baptized members reflect on their experiences at the Easter Vigil and continue to learn more about the Scriptures, the Sacraments, and the teachings of the Catholic Church. In addition, they reflect on how they will serve Christ and help in the Church's mission and outreach activities.
Coming into full communion with the Catholic Church describes the process for entrance into the Catholic Church for already baptized Christians. In most cases, these individuals make a profession of faith but are not baptized again. To prepare for this reception, the people, who are called Candidates, usually participate in a formation program to help them understand and experience the teachings and practices of the Catholic Church.
Although some preparation may be with Catechumens preparing for baptism, the preparation for Candidates is different since they have already been baptized and committed to Jesus Christ, and many have also been active members of other Christian communities. The Candidates may be received into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil or at another Sunday during the year depending on pastoral circumstances and readiness of the Candidate.
It was restored in the Church to highlight the fact that the newly baptized are received into a community of faith. They welcome the newcomers and bring new life to the parish community.
For Catholics who have been Baptized, Confirmed, and made First Communion but drifted from the faith, the way they return is through the Sacrament of Penance. Catholics who were baptized but never received Confirmation and/or Eucharist also participate in a period of formation. This process of formation is completed with the reception of the Sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Communion often at the Easter Vigil or during the Easter Season.
Prior to the Rite of Election, the Catechumen may choose one or two godparents, who will accompany the Catechumen on the day of Election, at the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation, and during the Period of Mystagogy. They are called to show the Catechumens good examples of the Christian life, sustain them in moments of hesitancy and anxiety, bear witness, and guide their progress in the baptismal life.