The RCIA:
AN INVITATION TO EXPLORE THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
 
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process for adults inquiring about the Catholic Faith or seeking to become Catholic. We invite both non-baptized adults and those baptized in another Christian. Baptized Catholics asking to receive the Sacraments of Eucharist (Holy Communion) and/or Confirmation may join in the process as well.
Various aspects of Church life are explored: liturgy, sacraments, scripture, beliefs, morality, prayer, and outreach…all in the context of developing an intimate relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ.
 
~~~  STAGES AND STEPS  ~~~
 
The RCIA process is a journey of faith. It has stages with liturgical rites that are ‘doors’ or ‘steps’ from one stage to the next.
 
Inquiry or Precatechumenate.  This is the first stage.  It is a time for asking questions, and to learn about the Catholic faith.  It involves no commitment other than attendance at the Precatechumenate meetings. When it is discerned that a person is considering entrance into the Catholic Church, the inquirer participates in the Rite of Acceptance.
 
Catechumenate. This stage is a time of dedicated formation.  Each week Catechumens attend Sunday Mass with dismissal sessions and continue to gather Wednesday evenings.  When it is discerned that a person is ready to commit to a sacramental way of life, the catechumen participates in the Rite of Sending and the Rite of Election.
 
The Period of Purification and Enlightenment coincides with the church’s season of Lent. It is a time of continued instruction coupled with more intensive preparation and prayer. If it is discerned that a person is ready, this stage culminates with the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist.
 
Mystagogy is the time after the newly initiated have been fully received into the Church. We continue to meet on Wednesday evenings until Pentecost, reflecting on the mystery of the sacraments, and begin to live life in the Catholic Church.
 
~~~ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ~~~
 
Who may participate?
St Joseph Parish welcomes anyone, baptized or not, who seeks to learn more about the Catholic faith in order to discern if they would like to receive the sacraments of initiation (baptism, confirmation, Eucharist) and be welcomed fully into the Church. Adult members of St Joseph Parish and sponsors may also attend the sessions to enrich their faith.
 
Must I make a commitment to Catholicism to participate in the RCIA process? 
Certainly not.  We realize that many people are searching and need to know more about the Church before they make such a commitment.  We ask no firm commitment of you until the beginning of Lent.
 
What happens at RCIA sessions?
We gather for prayer, guidance, teaching of the faith, lively discussion and sharing, and opportunity for questions and answers.
 
What is expected of me during the process?
You are expected to: attend the scheduled week night and Sunday sessions, participate in the life of the  St Joseph community (including Sunday Mass), meet with the pastor prior to the Rite of Election, and have the support of a sponsor….and pray!
 
I was baptized in another faith. Must I be re-baptized in order to become Catholic? 
Candidates who were baptized with a Trinitarian formula (In the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) and water who are seeking full Communion in the Catholic Church will not be baptized again.  They will simply make a Profession of Faith and receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.