The RCIA: What is it?

By Mike Lambrecht

      Some of you may already know that the letters RCIA stand for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. However, unless you, a family member, or a close friend has gone through it, you may not know much more than that. The RCIA is the process by which the Church initiates adults into the Catholic faith.

      The RCIA was created initially in 1974 as a result of the Second Vatican Council. As of 1988, the RCIA process became mandatory for all adults wishing to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church in the United States. By creating this uniform process, the Church was ensuring that each new member (neophyte) would receive an adequate and systematic instruction in the faith.

      The RCIA process is intended primarily for Non-Christians, or non-Catholic Christians (Protestants), who wish to become Catholic. However, many parishes also use the RCIA process to catechize (educate) individuals who were

baptized Catholic, but who for whatever reason have not received the sacraments of First Eucharist or Confirmation.

      The RCIA process is divided into four parts.  They are:

1.      The Precatechumenate: A time for inquiry into the Catholic faith. During this time, interested individuals are encouraged to come and ask questions that they've always   had about the Catholic faith. This is the best time to clear up misconceptions and misunderstandings regarding the faith. Should they decide that God is calling them to become Catholic, they would proceed to the next step.

2.      The Catechumenate: A period of instruction and formation in the Catholic faith. This is where the majority of the Church's teachings are taught and explored.

3.      The Period of Purification and Enlightenment: A much shorter period of time dedicated to examining one's life in preparation for reception of the sacrament of Confirmation. This period usually, but not always, coincides with the liturgical season of Lent.

4.      Mystagogy and the Neophyte Year: A period of time during the first year after an individual's reception of Confirmation during which the new member continues to learn more about the faith and develop their Catholic identity.

      Our typical RCIA process lasts approximately 7-10 months. However, because it is a process and not a program, the period could be much longer or shorter. It all depends on an individuals familiarity with the faith and their own progress of conversion.

      Many people think that once they enter the RCIA they are committed to becoming Catholic. This is not the case. While we would like to see each individual who enters complete the process, we know that the road to conversion is a deeply personal one. Some people may decide that they are not yet ready and we respect their decisions. Everything that happens in the RCIA process must be done with the grace of God and be free from any coercion.

      Anyone interested in learning more about       becoming Catholic, entering into full communion with the Catholic Church, or receiving missed Sacraments through our RCIA process should please contact me in the Religious Education Office at 359-9006.