R.C.I.A. – Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
Christian Initiation of Adults is a process of conversion and spiritual formation for individuals who are interested in becoming disciples of Jesus in the Catholic tradition. The RCIA experience incorporates prayer, study, reflection, faith sharing, on-going discernment and participation in the life of the parish. Those who have not yet been baptized are called catechumens and those who have been baptized in another Christian church are called candidates. Each catechumen and candidate chooses a sponsor (an active, practicing Catholic) to walk with and support them on their faith journey.
The RCIA process is divided into several stages, or phases. Progression from one phase to the next is celebrated with the Parish Community during a weekend Liturgy.
Pre-Catechumenate – a time of inquiry: During this initial phase the inquirer asks questions and gathers information. It’s a time of exploration. The inquirer will learn about the Catholic faith and what it means to be a follower of Jesus. The inquiry phase has no set time frame. The process is designed to honor each person’s needs and background and to help each one discern if they are interested in considering fuller participation in the Catholic faith community.
Catechumenate: If the inquirer feels ready to move on with the process, s/he will move to the catechumenate phase. The Catechumenate is a time for deeper spiritual formation and growth in faith. The beginning of this phase is celebrated with the Rite of Acceptance (for catechumens) and Rite of Welcome (for candidates) during Mass where the community has the opportunity to welcome its future members. After the Rite of Acceptance/Welcome, catechumens and candidates are dismissed each week during Mass after the Liturgy of the Word so they can reflect and “break open” the Word of God.
Purification and Enlightenment: This phase begins on the first Sunday of Lent and is marked with the Rite of Election. The catechumens are now called the elect. For the elect and the candidates this is a time of more intense preparation for full initiation into the Church.
Initiation: The elect come into full communion at the Easter Vigil with the celebration of baptism, confirmation and Eucharist. Candidates celebrate confirmation and Eucharist as they come into full communion with the Church. This often happens during the Easter Season but can take place at other times of the year.
Mystagogia: a period of continuing reflection and formation for the new members to support their growth in faith and to help them participate more fully in the life of the Parish.
Contact Sr. Virginia if you or someone you know would like more information or would like to visit about beginning the process. 
Sr. Virginia Jenningsvjenningsssjohnpaul.orgPastoral Associate