Class of 2018 

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a process designed for adults and children of catechetical age (7-14) who consciously and freely seek to learn about the Catholic faith. This process includes a series of rites and learning sessions that will lead the Catechumen or Candidate to be fully incorporated into the Body of Christ, the Church.

The four periods in RCIA are:

1. Precatechumenate – period of inquiry and evangelization
2. Catechumenate – a time of serious and dedicated formation
3. Period of Purification and Enlightenment – time of reflection that coincides with Lent
4. Mystagogy – time for the newly initiated to experience being fully a part of the Christian community and lasts from Easter to Pentecost

All periods are marked by distinct liturgical rites and include specific learning sessions with spiritual formation.

There is no set time period for this process. It usually begins in the fall and concludes in the spring. However, the Church makes it clear that what is important is ensuring adequate preparation. This can take several months, a year, or even several years.

For more detailed information, please call the Rectory office and ask for Nora Stay (724-775-4111 ext. 207).
 

The process of becoming Catholic is formally known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). It is a gradual process of spiritual formation that includes prayer, sharing, and study and occurs in the context of the parish community. It is intended for adults who:

1.  Are unbaptized and would like to be fully initiated and welcomed into the Catholic Church through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist

2.  Were baptized in another Christian community/tradition* and seek to be received into the full communion of the Catholic Church through the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist

3.  Were baptized as Catholics* as infants/children but have not received the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist

*Proof of valid Christian baptism is required (by way of certificate or letter of verification from one’s pastor or church of baptism).
 

The Four Phases of the RCIA

Discerning the call to become Catholic requires time, reflection, and prayer. Presuming at least a one-year commitment, RCIA is a four-phase process with special ceremonies between each phase. Participation in all four phases of the process is typical.

1.  Precatechumenate (pre-cat-a-cume-men-et): Beginning in June, Inquirers who have decided on the path to becoming Catholic or completing their initiation in the Catholic Church meet weekly on Sunday mornings with the Director of Faith Formation and a team of parishioners to continue to learn about and discuss the “basics” of Catholic life, prayers, teachings, and worship.

Rite of Acceptance Into the Order of Catechumens/Rite of Welcoming

2.  Catechumenate: After three to four months, Inquirers begin to attend Sunday Mass as a group. During this phase, Inquirers who are unbaptized become known as catechumens. Inquirers who have been baptized become known as candidates. Following the homily, the group is “dismissed” to reflect on the Scriptures for that day, discussing their meaning as well as their real-life application.

Rite of Election/Call to Continuing Conversion

3.  Purification and Enlightenment: The six weeks of Lent are a time of more intense prayer and spiritual preparation for the liturgies of Holy Week, especially the Easter Vigil. Catechumens, now called the elect, and candidates continue to meet on Sunday mornings and attend Sunday Mass as a group during this phase.

Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist

4.  Mystagogia (mis-ta-go-gia): In the weeks following Easter until Pentecost, the newly initiated, who are called neophytes, continue to meet on Sunday mornings to reflect on the experience of Easter, sharing and celebrating their new life in the Church, and preparing for full discipleship in the Church.