Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

�The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process through which adults are fully initiated into the Catholic faith community. It includes four formation periods:1)Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate, 2) Period of the Catechumenate, 3) Period of Purification and Enlightenment and 4)�� Period of Mystagogy and three liturgical stages, 1) Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens, 2)Rite of Election and 3) Initiation

�Modeled after the catechumenate of the early church, RCIA consists of periods of awakening, growth, and formation. Candidates and catechumens attend Mass together as well as classes to learn more about the faith through lectures, discussions, and praying together.

�Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate

In this first period of no fixed duration, people seek answers to their questions about the Catholic faith. During this period, inquirers may decide to consider becoming members of the Catholic Church. If so, they enter into another period of the RCIA journey: the Catechmenate. The Rite of Acceptance marks this transition.

Period of the Catechumenate
Catechumenate means �time of serious study.� The candidates and catechumens have already come to faith in Jesus Christ and long to become members of the church. They join the Catholic community at Mass on Sunday, celebrating the Liturgy of the Word together. However, because they are not yet in communion with the community, they are �dismissed� or sent out with the RCIA team to reflect upon the Sunday readings.Catechumens and candidates are given godparents and sponsors as companions in the faith journey. During this period, the initial conversion is deepened and strengthened. Usually on the First Sunday of Lent, the catechumens and candidates celebrate the Rite of Election, in which they affirm their readiness to receive the sacraments of initiation on Holy Saturday. After the rite, they are called �the elect.�

Period of Purification and Enlightenment

During Lent, this last stage of preparation is an intense time of prayer and reflection, intensely centered on conversion. The elect celebrate scrutinies and exorcisms. The readings at Mass follow the theme of continuing conversion. During this period, the elect are given the Creed, the summary of our faith, and the Lord�s Prayer. The elect celebrate the Sacraments of Initiation � Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist � at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday, and they enter fully into the church and are now called neophytes.

�Period of Mystagogy

From Easter through Pentecost, the neophytes reflect upon the sacraments received and their call to the mission of Christ. This period allows them to look for new ways to live a life of grace, both personally and in community.