St. Michael Catholic Church
RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (R.C.I.A.)
R.C.I.A.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
Dear Friend,
According to our records, members of our family are registered in this parish.
Perhaps you wonder at times why we do what we do as Catholics. Or perhaps you
have considered becoming a Catholic but just don’t know how. Or perhaps you
would like a refresher course on your current beliefs.
In either case, we invite you to enrich yourself and learn more about Catholics.
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults - the RCIA - is for people who want
either to learn about Catholics or to become Catholic. If you are in an
interfaith marriage and are already actively involved in a church of a different
denomination, you may want to understand your family’s Catholic faith better. If
you are not connected to any faith community, you are most welcome to inquire
with us. If after preparation you decide to become Catholic, you will be
formally accepted at Easter.
We invite you to explore this opportunity by coming to our RCIA sessions
beginning in early September. If you have any questions or would like further
information, please contact the parish office at 261-3472.
With cordial greetings,
Fr. Brian
Pastor
What is the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults?
Period of Evangelization and the Precatechumenate
This is a time, of no fixed duration or structure, for inquiry and introduction to gospel values, an opportunity for the beginnings of faith.
First Step: Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens
This is the liturgical rite, usually celebrated on some annual days or dates, marking the beginning of the catechumenate proper, as the candidates express and the Church accepts their intention to respond to God's call to follow the way of Christ.
Period of the Catechumens
This is the time, in duration corresponding to the progress of the individual, for the nurturing and growth of the catechumen's faith and conversion to God. Celebrations of the word and prayers of exorcism and blessing are meant to assist the process.
Second Step: Rite of Election or Enrollment of Names
This is the liturgical rite, usually celebrated on the First Sunday of Lent, by which the Church formally ratifies the catechumens' readiness for the Sacraments of Initiation, and the catechumens, now the elect, express the will to receive these sacraments.
Period of Purification and Enlightenment
This is the time immediately preceding the elects' initiation, usually the Lenten season preceding the celebration of this initiation at the Easter Virgil. It is a time of reflection, intensely centered on conversion, marked by celebration of the scrutinizes and presentations and of the preparation rites on Holy Saturday.
Third Step: Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation
This is the liturgical rite, usually integrated into the Easter Virgil, by which the elect are initiated through baptism, confirmation, and the Eucharist.
Period of Post baptismal Catechesis or Mystogogy
This is the time, usually the Easter season, following the celebration of initiation, during which the newly initiated experience being fully a part of the Christian community by means of pertinent catechesis and particularly by participation with all the faithful in the Sunday Eucharistic celebration.