RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA)

The initiation of adults is a gradual process that takes place within the community of the faithful.  The process used is suited to a spiritual journey of adults that varies according to the readiness of each individual freely cooperating with God’s grace, the action of the Church, and the circumstances of time and place.

The process for initiation consists of four periods and three steps.

PERIOD OF EVANELIZATION AND PRECATECHUMENATE

• It’s a time of no fixed duration or structure
• It’s a time for inquiry and introduction to Gospel values, and opportunity for the beginning of faith.

 
FIRST STEP:  ACCEPTANCE INTO THE ORDER OF CATECHUMENS

• A Liturgical Rite where the candidate expresses and the Church accepts their intention to respond to God’s call to follow the way of Christ.

PERIOD OF THE CATECHUMENATE

• The duration of this time corresponds the progress of the individual, for the nurturing and growth of the catechumens’ faith and conversion to God.

SECOND STEP:  ELECTION OR ENROLLMENT OF NAMES

• This is a liturgical rite, which takes place always on the First Sunday of Lent.  The Church formally ratifies the catechumens’ readiness to receive the sacraments of initiation and the elect express the will to receive these sacraments.

PERIOD OF PURIFICATION AND ENLIGHTENMENT

• This is the time immediately preceding initiation, usually during the Lenten season.  It is a time of reflection, intensely centered on conversion.

THIRD STEP:  CELEBRATION OF THE SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION

• This is the liturgical rite for the reception of the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and the Holy Eucharist.  This usually happens during the Easter Vigil.

PERIOD OF POSTBAPTISMAL CATECHESIS OR MYSTAGOGY 

• This is the time, usually the Easter season, during which the newly initiated experience being fully a part of the Christian community.

For more information, contact Sister Barbara L. Croom, ASC. Holy Savior Parish at 316-682-8712.