RCIA

There are times when a circumstance such as marriage, family, friendship or general curiosity leads a person to search out the Catholic Church as a possible answer to their religious questions/needs.

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process through which interested adults and older children are welcomed and gradually introduced to the Roman Catholic Faith, Sacraments, Worship and way of life. In response to their inquiries, these persons are properly instructed so that they can discern (through reflection and prayer) whether they are indeed called to Catholicism.

For those not yet baptized into the Christian Faith, this process leads to the Easter Vigil where they receive the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.

For a baptized Christian, reception into full communion with the Catholic Church involves reception of the Sacrament of Penance (Reconciliation) and a Profession of Faith followed by the reception of the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist (at the Easter Vigil or another appropriate time).

For details, see RCIA Process

For general information, see Contact Us

To pursue the RCIA Process, please print and complete
RCIA Inquiry Form and return this form to the Parish office.
(No commitment is implied. A person can choose not to start the process, or can leave the process at any time.)

See also Archdiocese of Cincinnati/RCIA (link)
http://www.catholiccincinnati.org/ministries-offices/evangelization-and-catechesis/rcia/



RCIA Process

The RCIA process consists of four stages or periods of formation marked by the celebrations of three major rites or ceremonies with the parish community. The four stages are: Pre-Catechumenate (or Period of Inquiry), Catechumenate, Purification and Enlightenment, and Mystagogia.

Pre-Catechumenate (Period of Inquiry)
This period begins near the end of September. During this period, a person is called an Inquirer. This is a time for inquiry and introduction to Gospel values, an opportunity to nurture the beginnings of faith. Inquirers can receive answers to some of their most pressing questions about the Catholic Faith and discern how this Faith might connect with their personal story and their desire for a closer relationship with Jesus Christ and the Christian community. Inquirers are invited (but never pressured) to continue the journey through participation in the ritual called the Rite of Acceptance/Welcoming.

Rite of Acceptance/Welcoming
This ritual takes place on the 1^st Sunday of Advent. The Inquirers who have not been baptized declare that they are seeking the Faith of the Church and that they accept the Gospel way of life; they are now called “Catechumens” (students). The Inquirers who have been baptized declare their intent to join the Church in love and service; they are welcomed and are now called Candidates. The Catechumens and the Candidates then begin a process of being dismissed at Sunday Mass, after the Homily, so that a “catechist” (instructor) can further “Break Open the Word” with them, reflecting upon the Liturgy of the Word of the day.

Catechumenate
In this second stage of preparation, Catechumens and Candidates will spend time learning about the beliefs of Catholics and be introduced to the Catholic way of life. The Scriptures and Catholic teachings will guide their study, while participation in various forms of worship, prayer and parish activities will acquaint and help integrate them into the Catholic lifestyle. Their priests and catechists will guide them in this journey. A Godparent/Sponsor will be chosen to provide individual support, and the parish community will continue to welcome them and pray for them. They will be dismissed each Sunday after the Homily to Break Open the Word. This stage culminates in the celebration of the Rite of Sending/Election where they are officially accepted for the Easter Sacraments.

Rite of Sending
This ritual takes place at one of the Masses on the morning of the 1^st Sunday of Lent. At this rite, Godparents affirm the readiness of their Catechumens to be “elected” (chosen and admitted) with the Sacraments of Initiation. The names of the Catechumens are entered into the Book of the Elect. The Sponsors also affirm the readiness of their Candidates to complete their Christian Initiation or their reception into Full Communion.

Rite of Election
This ritual takes place in the afternoon of the 1^st Sunday of Lent. At this rite, the Bishop (or his delegate) declares the Catechumens to be members of the Elect and ready to receive the Sacraments of Initiation at the next Easter Vigil. He also recognizes the Candidates as ready to have a place at Christ’s Eucharistic table. The Catechumens and Candidates are now referred to as the Elect.

Purification and Enlightenment
This stage, which coincides with the season of Lent, is a time of final preparation for initiation/reception. The Elect engage in prayer and reflection about their growing relationship with Christ and the Church. They discern how they will live out that relationship in their everyday lives. Additional rituals called “Scrutinies” (on the 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th Sundays of Lent) will help them in this process. This period climaxes with the Sacraments of Initiation at the parish Easter Vigil liturgy.

Sacraments of Initiation
At the Easter Vigil, the Catechumens receive the Sacrament of Baptism, and both the Catechumens and the Candidates receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and (First) Eucharist. They are now referred to as “Neophytes” (newly converted believer) for their first year.

Mystagogia
Mystagogia means “leading into the mysteries”. This last period, usually during the Easter season, can be compared to a “honeymoon” – a time when the Neophytes are helped to adapt to their new status in the Catholic community. They now participate fully with all the faithful in the Eucharistic celebration. They begin their lifelong pilgrimage of growth as the mysteries of their faith unfold.