Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)

From Rejoice in the Catholic Faith

Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults

  • abbreviated as "RCIA"
  • = lessons on Catholicism and process of full conversion for adults

RCIA Process

from Cathedral of St. Thomas Moore, 2022-23

  1. Period of inquiry – which is where we are now, at the beginning. This is a time to ask questions, learn, talk to people, and see where you on your faith journey.
  2. Rite of Welcome – a symbolic gesture indicating that you want to pursue a closer relationship with God and with God’s people.
  3. Period of Catechumen – this is the deepest period of growth and learning. The term Catechumen comes from the phrase to echo or to resound. This is the longest period and helps understand the relationship of the head and the heart in our faith journey.
  4. Rite of Election – this is a Rite where our Bishop publicly and formally announces your welcome to the church and your intent to come into full communion.
  5. Period of purification and enlightenment – this period takes place during the period of Lent, the 40-day period before the summit of Easter. This period emphasizes prayer and introspection.
  6. Celebration of the sacraments at Easter – coming into full communion with the church at the Easter Vigil. The most joyful celebration also celebrates our new brothers and sisters in faith.
  7. Mystagogy – the continuation of your faith journey immediately following your reception into full communion with the church.

Vocabulary of RCIA

adopted from Cathedral of St. Thomas Moore, RCIA class, 2022-23 candidate

    • a baptized person preparing for full communion in the Catholic Church, through the sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation

catechesis

    • the teaching of Christian doctrine in an organized and systematic way to help form people as disciples of Jesus Christ.

catechists

    • Those who perform the ministry of catechesis (CCC 5, 426-427)

catechumen

    • a person who is preparing for Baptism, Confirmation and First Holy Communion (CCCC 1248)

catechumenate

    • religious instruction and formation in preparation for Christian Initiation
    • its aim is to bring conversion and faith to maturity within the parish community

conversion

    • a radical reorientation of the whole life away from sin and evil, and toward God (CCC 1423, 1427, 1431)

faith

    • personal adherence of man to God
    • also and inseparably, a free assent to to the whole truth that God has revealed (CCC 150)
    • faith is a personal act
      • = the free response of the human person to the initiative of God who reveals himself (CCC 166)

Godparent

    • the sponsor of one who is baptized
      • who assumes a responsibility to assist the newly baptized, child or adult, on the journey of the Christian life (CCC 1255)

mystagogy

    • a deeper reflection on the mysteries of the Catholic faith;
    • the period of religious instruction and formation following immediately after the reception of the sacraments of initiation by adults (CCC 1075)

Trinity

    • the mystery of one God in three Persons:
      • Father
      • Son
      • Holy Spirit
    • the revealed truth of the Holy Trinity is at the very root of the Church's living faith as expressed in the Creed (CCC 232, 237, 249, 253-256)
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