RCIA --  Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults 

What is RCIA?
Is RCIA for YOU?
         Process of Becoming Catholic
         How long does it take?
         Outline for RCIA Process
Dates and Topics for 2008-09 RCIA Meetings
St. Bernard Pastoral RCIA Team

.What is RCIA?

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a process by which non-baptized and baptized persons from non-Catholic traditions enter the Catholic Church. These men and women are guided as they are gradually introduced to the Catholic way of life. It includes several stages marked by study, prayer and rites at Mass. Participants experience a process of conversion as they study the Gospel, profess faith in Jesus and the Catholic Church, and receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. The RCIA process follows the ancient practice of the Church and was restored by the Second Vatican Council as the normal way adults prepare for baptism. In 1974 the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults was formally approved for use in the United States .

The RCIA process is a series of steps, marked by liturgical rites with the whole community as the candidates start on their journey and join us in continuing conversion in faith and discipleship. The RCIA respects the spiritual needs of each person, whether baptized or unbaptized, catechized or uncatechized, or mature, practicing Christians from other faith traditions.
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Is RCIA for YOU?

You are welcome to be part of RCIA if:

• You have no faith tradition or are coming from another tradition and you want to know more about the Catholic faith.
• You want to be received into the Catholic faith.
• You are baptized but have been distant from the faith or have not received Confirmation or Eucharist.
• You are a confirmed Catholic who is willing to sponsor a person who is inquiring and you are willing to walk on a journey of faith with them.
  

Process of Becoming Catholic

RCIA is the Church's way of guiding those who seek church membership. Some people will need more time than others to prepare for this lifetime commitment. Your questions about God, faith, and what religious path you are called to follow are important to us. We respect where you are and where you have been, and would like to share what we believe and why we find the Catholic community a channel of God's grace. We invite you to explore with us this journey of faith which we call the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. There are four stages to this initiation: inquiry, catechumenate, purification and mystagogy. During this time, candidates participate in regular sessions, retreat days and personal conversations with the director of RCIA and parish priest. A sponsor is either chosen or appointed and aids the candidate on this journey through prayerful support and personal witness. The entire faith community supports each candidate through prayer and witnessing.
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How long does it take?

For those who seek full communion in the Catholic Church, the time may vary. Catechumens and candidates need to experience the yearly calendar of Catholic practice fully in order to make an informed decision. The process of spiritual renewal and catechesis should not be hurried, especially for those not accustomed to Catholic practices. Lent (Season of Baptism) prepares catechumens, candidates and the whole community for Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. The celebration of the Easter Vigil dramatically points to the center of the Church's life: "The Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ". Generally the Sacrament of Initiation or the Rite of Reception takes place at the Easter Vigil. The decision is made together with the candidate, the pastor and RCIA director.*

Outline for RCIA Process

-Period of Inquiry
-Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens
-Period of the Catechumenate
-Election or Enrollment of Names
-Period of Purification and Enlightenment
-Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation
-Period of Post Baptismal Catechesis or Mystagogy

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