Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.)
A pathway to renewed life!
Perhaps you’ve heard the proverb, “The journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.”
For those on a journey to learn more about the Catholic faith and celebrate it fully, the RCIA process is a leap!
Why? Becoming a member of the body of Christ affects us not only now, but in our life beyond this world.
Every year at St. Vincent de Paul parish, dozens of adults and children walk on a road to join us in living the Catholic faith. This road is called RCIA -- the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.
You could look at this journey as if you were exploring a string of tropical islands. The first island is called the “Inquiry” phase or the “Precatechumenate.”
Inquiry
“Inquiry Island” offers a time for people to ask questions about anything connected with the Catholic faith. It also provides an opportunity for our Inquiry catechists, Sue Dvorak and John Badke, to explain why our spiritual tradition continues to nourish their own relationship with Christ.
When some of these inquirers feel led by God to continue their journey of faith with us, they celebrate a rite. This ritual or “bridge” is called the Rite of Acceptance.
The Rite of Acceptance & Welcome
The Rite of Acceptance is our Church’s public way of saying, “Welcome” to the journeyers. To celebrate this Rite, inquirers must:
- Believe in Jesus as their savior,
- Want to continue exploring the possibility of living out their faith in Jesus in the Catholic tradition.
In addition, the RCIA leadership matches these candidates* (those already baptized) and catechumens (those anticipating Baptism) with companions (active Catholics who represent our parish family) who are willing to journey with them in this process.
“Acceptance Bridge” marks the arrival at their next destination, “Catechumenate Island.”
The Catechumenate
In the Catechumenate* phase weekly discussions focus on the Scripture readings proclaimed at Mass. Discussion centers on how our lives are shaped by developing a closer relationship with God. The goal is to nurture and grow faith by applying Christ’s message to everyday life.
After some time, (based on the needs of the individual) these travelers come to a moment of decision. Are they being called to express their faith through the Catholic tradition? If they feel God leading them in this direction, they cross another bridge: the Rite of Election.
The Rite of Election
The Rite of Election is preceded by the Rite of Sending for Election that is held at our parish. During this rite, the catechumens and candidates sign the Book of the Elect. This rite also indicates to the bishop that our parish believes in their readiness to receive the Sacraments of Initiation. Then on the afternoon of the first Sunday of Lent, the bishop calls them (the Elect) to the Easter sacraments.
The “Bridge of Election” leads to the “Island of Purification and Enlightenment,” (commonly called “Lent”) – a time of deeper reflection. In this period, the Elect develop a stronger faith and commit themselves to living a Christian life.
Keeping the 40 days of Lent is holy preparation for the Initiation Sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.
Celebration of the Initiation Sacraments
The Easter Vigil is the special setting for celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation. At this ancient, awesome ritual, the Elect join us as full participants in the life of the Church. The Vigil is a bridge to the next island on the journey: “Mystagogy Island.”
Mystagogy
The journey is not over, but just beginning anew. Mystagogy is about what it sounds like: mystery. In the year following initiation, the new members are nurtured and nourished by the Church. They are encouraged to grow in their understanding of the great mystery the whole Church shares: walking on a journey with and to our God.
*The Catholic Church recognizes the baptisms of many other Christian faith traditions. Baptized RCIA participants are called “candidates” for their candidacy to receive the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation.
*Catechumenate is a Greek word that means instruction. It signifies a community of people preparing to become members of a Christian community.
Contact: Teresa Marshall
