RCIA is the process by which the Catholic Church initiates adults into the Roman
Catholic Community. It consists of four carefully planned stages, each marked
by liturgical rites:
1. The Period of Inquiry
During this period, individuals hear the preaching of the gospel, and may last from a few
weeks to a few months. Inquirers are invited to ask questions about the Church, share
their own faith stories and decide whether they wish to continue. Those who wish to
continue celebrate the Rite of Acceptance, and enter the second period.
2. The Period of the Catechumenate
This is a more intense period of instruction where individuals may develop an
understanding of Church teachings, participate in liturgical rites and learn the importance of
prayer. Marking the transition between the second and third periods, the Rite of Election
is celebrated for the unbaptized and the Call to Continuing Conversion is celebrated for
those who are already baptized. These usually take place early in Lent and open a period
of more intense preparation. In these rites, catechumens (the unbaptized), and candidates
(those already baptized),express publicly their conversion of heart, mind and spirit to the
Christian teachings of faith and charity. They are now known as the "elect".
3. The Period of Enlightenment and Purification
This period, which usually lasts through Lent, includes special liturgical ceremonies at
the Lenten masses, as well as preparation rites. The "elect" spend time reflecting on their
religious experiences and faith. This period climaxes at the Easter Vigil with the
sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist).
4. The Period of Mystagogia
This is the final stage of RCIA, and it may also be called the Post-Baptismal
Catechesis. It lasts from Easter to Pentecost, and during this stage of Initiation, the
newly initiated experience being a part of the Christian community. Together with the
community they develop a deeper understanding of the mystery of Jesus' Death and
Resurrection. As the new part of the community, they gather together to celebrate
Sunday Masses, share the sacraments, read and study scriptures, perform acts of
Christian service and live and pray the Gospel in their daily lives.
Catholic Community. It consists of four carefully planned stages, each marked
by liturgical rites:
1. The Period of Inquiry
During this period, individuals hear the preaching of the gospel, and may last from a few
weeks to a few months. Inquirers are invited to ask questions about the Church, share
their own faith stories and decide whether they wish to continue. Those who wish to
continue celebrate the Rite of Acceptance, and enter the second period.
2. The Period of the Catechumenate
This is a more intense period of instruction where individuals may develop an
understanding of Church teachings, participate in liturgical rites and learn the importance of
prayer. Marking the transition between the second and third periods, the Rite of Election
is celebrated for the unbaptized and the Call to Continuing Conversion is celebrated for
those who are already baptized. These usually take place early in Lent and open a period
of more intense preparation. In these rites, catechumens (the unbaptized), and candidates
(those already baptized),express publicly their conversion of heart, mind and spirit to the
Christian teachings of faith and charity. They are now known as the "elect".
3. The Period of Enlightenment and Purification
This period, which usually lasts through Lent, includes special liturgical ceremonies at
the Lenten masses, as well as preparation rites. The "elect" spend time reflecting on their
religious experiences and faith. This period climaxes at the Easter Vigil with the
sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist).
4. The Period of Mystagogia
This is the final stage of RCIA, and it may also be called the Post-Baptismal
Catechesis. It lasts from Easter to Pentecost, and during this stage of Initiation, the
newly initiated experience being a part of the Christian community. Together with the
community they develop a deeper understanding of the mystery of Jesus' Death and
Resurrection. As the new part of the community, they gather together to celebrate
Sunday Masses, share the sacraments, read and study scriptures, perform acts of
Christian service and live and pray the Gospel in their daily lives.
| The RCIA also serves as a focus for ongoing conversion for all members of a parish. As Catholics witness new candidates learning the doctrine, they are encouraged to study their faith themselves. As they participate in the liturgical ceremonies welcoming new members, they can renew their own commitment to Jesus, and strengthen their own relationship with God. |
