The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process through which interested unbaptized adults and older children (catechumens) are gradually introduced to the Roman Catholic faith, way of life, and become members of the Catholic Church.
The process is a blend of instruction and formation that progresses through gradual stages as it unfolds the Church’s rites, symbols, and biblical and liturgical signs. For those who join an RCIA process this is a time of commitment to reflection, prayer, study, and discernment.
On average the process takes twelve months. The culmination of preparation happens each year during Holy Week with the celebration of becoming full members at the Easter Vigil.
During the Easter Vigil, catechumens are baptized, confirmed, and participate in the Eucharist for the first time. This celebration is filled with the richness of the Catholic Church and can be traced back to the way the first Christians became a member of the faith community.
The process of formation includes four stages:
- Pre-catechumenate – the initial call to conversion to Christ
- Catechumenate – period of more integral and systematic study of the Catholic faith
- Purification and Enlightenment – a time characterized by more intense preparation and prayer
- Mystagogy – marks the time which the newly initiated experiences and internalizes the initiation sacraments and enters more deeply into the life of the community
RCIA groups are held in individual parishes. Those who would like to join an RCIA group should aim to attend one in the parish near where they live. If you do not know of a parish near you call the Diocesan office and they will direct you to a nearby parish that has an RCIA process.