RCIA

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process established for the universal Church for individuals to become Catholic and receive the sacraments of initiation — Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist. Participants undergo conversion as they study the Gospel, profess faith in Jesus and the Catholic Church, and receive the sacrament.

This initiation process also involves a parish community experiencing a renewal in faith as it prepares and welcomes new members into the Church. The Rite speaks of conversion as a “spiritual journey.” Centered on fostering a deep relationship with Jesus and the Church he founded, this journey takes place through distinct stages over a period of time suitable to bring about a thorough catechesis, significant experience of the parish community, and commitment to the liturgical and moral life of the Catholic faithful.

The RCIA process is that of the early Church formation programs with restoration of the ancient catechumenate, arising within the first three centuries following the era of the apostles. It was the early Church’s way of Christianizing the pagan Roman Empire. The Second Vatican Council called for the restoration and use of this venerable and powerful method of initiation for the worldwide Church.

Why Christian and Why Catholic?
The only reason to be a Christian is to be configured to Christ... to be saint!

The only reason to be Catholic is because the Church is the saint-making machine through her graces, her teachings, her people, and her Head, enabling those who so will to be perfected in love. There is a real connection between our spiritual life and the dogmas.

"Dogmas are lights along the path of faith; they illuminate it and make it secure. Conversely, if our life is upright, our intellect and heart will be open to welcome the light shed by the dogmas of faith." (The Catechism of the Catholic Church, Para. 89)

The God who wants to fall in love with us wants to reveal himself to us. In catechesis, we echo all that God has revealed to those he wishes to enter into an intimate relationship with. We do this in a way that allows for the greatest comprehension on the part of our listeners and helps bring about personal conversion.

All are Welcome!
RCIA is a process of study, exploration, faith-sharing, and faith formation with specific liturgical rites for seekers and inquirers. Participants are introduced to the liturgy, the teachings, and the life of the Catholic Church. RCIA presentations are open to anyone in the community who wishes to participate. Each year we begin an RCIA program in the fall and look forward to welcoming new members into the life of our parish community.
Who is RCIA for?

1. Persons in need of Baptism.
2. Persons baptized in another Christian tradition who desire to become Catholic.
3. Persons baptized Catholic in need of First Communion and/or Confirmation.

RCIA is a Journey
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults is a process that proceeds over weeks and months. It has several steps:

• Pre-Catechumenate

This is the earliest phase in the process; it is also known as the Period of Inquiry. Catechumens (a person not baptized) and Candidates (a person baptized in a different Christian faith) acknowledge that Christ is calling them into the Church through the movement of the Holy Spirit. This is a time for seeking and reflection.

• Rite of Initiation

The first Rite in the RCIA process, the Rite of Initiation accepts new members into the worshipping community.

• Catechumenate

The longest part of the process, the Catechumenate is a time of learning and formation in the traditions and doctrine of the Catholic Church. This is a time for sharing stories, reading scripture, and studying the Church customs, traditions and doctrine. Individuals also participate in worship services and various Church rituals. By the end of the catechumenate, the catechumens & candidates will have been presented Catholic teaching in its entirety by means of a thoroughly comprehensive catechesis on the truths of Catholic doctrine and moral life.

• Rite of Election

Catechumens and Candidates are chosen to be received by the bishop and the community and to receive the Sacraments of Initiation at Easter. In this period the focus shifts toward spiritual preparation for the sacraments of initiation. The themes of repentance and holiness are constant throughout this period, and it should be permeated with a spirit of prayer and retreat.

Interior reflection (on God’s love for his people, his faithful provision, his call to turn to him fully), should seek to lead participants to repentance, acts of penance, a desire to offer thanksgiving, and more fervent practice of fraternal charity.

• Sacraments of Initiation

At the Easter Vigil (Holy Saturday), all newly elected members of the community who have been journeying through the RCIA process are welcomed formally into the community of believers through receiving the Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.

• Mystagogy

This is a time of reflection and celebration after the formal reception into the Catholic Church. Mystagogy means “leading into the mystery” which refers to instruction in the mysteries or sacraments and it is a time to explore the deep mystery of our faith and go forth to help build the reign of God on Earth as new members of the faithful. Ordinarily, this period following reception of the sacraments of initiation lasts for seven weeks from Easter to Pentecost. We are pilgrims here on earth, sustained and nourished by the Eucharist, a foretaste of the heavenly banquet that awaits all of us.

RCIA Contact Information

If you have not been baptized, or had any formal introduction to the life of faith, and for those who are interested in being welcomed into the Church, but have already been well-formed in their faith, please contact the parish office to begin the RCIA process, and set a meeting with the pastor so we can ensure that our process meets your needs.

St. Anthony Parish Office 509-447-2685 or send an email to [email protected] for more information.