What is RCIA?
From the time of the apostles, becoming a Christian has been accomplished by a journey and initiation in several stages. This journey can be covered rapidly or slowly, but certain essential elements will always have to be present: proclamation of the Word, acceptance of the Gospel entailing conversion, profession of faith, Baptism itself, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and admission to Eucharistic communion. - CCC #1229
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process of conversion and coming to faith as disciples of Christ within the Roman Catholic Church. The process of conversion requires discernment and communal celebrations which ritualize its successive stages. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults has been mandated by the Roman Catholic Church: Canons 850, 851 and the Bishop’s Committee on the Liturgy Newsletter, March, 1988, Vol. 24, indicating September 1, 1988 as the mandatory effective date of implementation in the dioceses of the U.S.A.
The primary concern of the RCIA is the ongoing conversion of the individual within a particular community. This conversion is the turning of the whole person, not just the intellect, to God revealed in Christ and proclaimed by the Church. To embrace the Catholic faith is to convert one’s life to the work of the Church, particularly its mission to preach the good news of Jesus and to build up the reign of God. The process of conversion cannot be programmed. It is the work of God in which we, the Church, participate.
How Does One Become a Catholic?
Most members of the Roman Catholic Church are baptized as infants. They grow up in Catholic homes, receive form religious education and gradually come to share in the full sacramental life of the church.
Others -- those who were previously baptized in other Christian traditions -- become Catholics after making a solemn profession of faith, receiving communion and sharing Eucharist with the Catholic community.
And still others -- those who were not previously baptized -- become Catholic Christians through a process called Christian initiation (or catechumenate), which includes the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Eucharist. For these people, the sacraments of initiation usually take place at Easter or at time that the readiness of these people is determined.
The Catholic church warmly welcomes new members and tries to provide an appropriate spiritual formation according to each person's need. Through the catechumentate, the church encourages an ongoing conversion to Jesus Christ and the reign of God he proclaimed. The catechumentate provides a structure for the proclamation of the gospel, catechesis (passing on the teaching of the church), public and private prayer, spiritual direction, the observance of the feasts, fasts, Sundays and seasons of the church calendar, direct contact with members of the parish community and participation in the work of the church for justice and peace.
The church wants to share its life with new members and offer them support and encouragement. The parish provides sponsors who can serve as spiritual companions for those who desire to become members of the Catholic church.
Through the various rites of the catechumenate, the church marks a person's journey to full membership. These rites reflect his or her spiritual growth and the community's loving concern.
How Does Christian Initiation Take Place?
Each parish is responsible for the formation of prospective members. This formation is guided by the needs of those who seek membership, the resources in the local community and the norms of the Catholic church. All parishes of a dioceses are united through the ministry of the bishop who, as chief pastor, is responsible for the initiation of new Catholic Christians. The bishop's role is clearly seen when he meets the catechumens for the rite of election (at the beginning of Lent). The liturgy, ordinarily celebrated in the cathedral church, beautifully demonstrates the diversity and unity of the church into which new members are initiated. This and other liturgies lead to the goal of Christian initiation: ongoing participation in the full Eucharistic life and mission of the church.
Catechumen or Candidate?
Christian initiation, or catechumenate, is the way the church helps an unbaptized person prepare for and reflect on baptism, confirmation and Eucharist. A person in the catechumenate is called a catechumen.
However, when one speaks of a baptized person from a Protestant tradition, for example, who is preparing for reception into full communion in the Roman tradition, one is speaking of a different matter. A baptized person should not be led automatically through the full catechumenal process or be called a catechumen. Instead, we call him or her a candidate.
Frequently candidates for full communion in the Catholic church find certain elements of the catechumenate helpful in their preparation. For example, the focus on continuing conversion is appropriate for any Christian, especially at a time of transition. An understanding of Catholic beliefs, the practice of Catholic observances in the church year over an appropriate period of time and the experience of Catholic community are all necessary for an informed commitment that will last.
Since candidates are already baptized, the liturgical rites that mark the steps of the formation process are different from those of catechumens. There are rites of welcoming by the parish community and recognition by the bishop, a celebration of the call to continuing conversion and a penitential rite. Reception into full communion in the Catholic church takes place with the profession of faith, confirmation and Eucharist.
How Long Does It Take?
Christian initiation is not a program. It is the church's way of ministering sensitively to those who seek membership. For that reason, some people will need more time than others to prepare for the lifetime commitment that comes with membership in the Catholic church. For those already baptized and who seek full communion in the Catholic church, the time may vary. Typically we begin in September and celebrate reception of the sacraments at the Easter vigil (approx. 8 to 9 months). For those unbaptised and without religious experience the process could be longer. The process of spiritual renewal and catechesis should not be hasty, especially for those not accustomed to the feasts and seasons, rites and fasts the way Catholics observe them.
What Is the First Step?
Anyone who is seriously thinking about becoming a Catholic or would simply like more information can contact the Mother of Sorrows Pastoral Center. Ordinarily, meeting with Fr. Ted or a member of the RCIA team would be the first step in the journey toward becoming a Catholic. Click here for contacts page.
You can also request a fee booklet about the Catholic faith that may answer some of your questions. Click here to request your free book.
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