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The Rite of Christian Initiation

Have You Thought?

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What am I searching for in life?
Am I satisfied with my life?
Do I want God in my life?
Do I want to know how the scripture affects my life decisions?
Do I want to be part of a faith community where I will be accepted?

If you are asking any of these questions, then the Catholic way of life may be for you! RCIA is a journey that begins with the stirrings of faith and curiosity within one’s heart and leads to learning about God, the Holy Scriptures, and the Catholic experience. There are four stages in the RCIA process, each designed to guide participants gently along the way. Individuals will gradually recognize God’s personal invitation for them during periods of reflection and prayer, study and discussion, and involvement with other Catholics. Doubts and hesitations may also occur and are a natural part of this time of inquiry. RCIA is the process that informs and transforms candidates so that they may fully understand what it means to be Catholic in the world today.

RCIA
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is a journey of faith that leads to becoming a member of the Roman Catholic Church. Although most Catholics are born into Catholic families, baptized as infants, and gradually come to share in the full sacramental life of the Church as they grow and mature, some approach the Catholic faith later in life and may be initiated as children, teens or adults. Everyone’s spiritual journey is unique. The RCIA is the Catholic Church’s way of welcoming new members and providing appropriate spiritual formation according to each person’s needs. There are special adaptations of RCIA for children age seven and older (RCIC) and teens (RCIT).
 
 In the past, those seeking to enter the Catholic Church were often instructed quietly in small groups throughout the year. In 1972, the Second Vatican Council returned to the vision of the early church by formalizing and celebrating the RCIA as a journey that involves the entire parish community. The RCIA consists of four time periods bridged by liturgical steps referred to as rites. The Catholic community participates along with the individuals on this faith journey. The process culminates by receiving the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) during the greatest celebration of the Church year – the Easter Vigil Mass.
 
 RCIA is more than religious education or bible study. It is a journey of conversion that involves instruction in Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition along with participation in the rites, proper pastoring, and introduction to the parish community. It takes time. The Church believes that conversion to Jesus Christ is ultimately a daily, lifelong process. By recognizing and celebrating the initiation of new members, every member of the church community also participates in this conversion and is renewed in the process.

Who Should Attend the RCIA?

Everyone’s starting point on the journey to becoming Catholic may differ. The RCIA journey is for individuals who have reached a minimum age of seven and:

Who have never been baptized as Christians, or
Who have been baptized in another Christian faith tradition and are now interested in the Catholic faith, or
Who were baptized in the Catholic tradition but have not received any other sacraments, or
Are confirmed Catholics who would like to learn more about their faith.

How Do I Get Started?

The RCIA journey generally starts in late summer with weekly meetings and begins with a time of inquiry. This is a time for introduction to the message of God and an opportunity for the beginnings of faith to be explored. It is meant to be a time for reflection and discovery
in which to:
 
Ask questions and become acquainted with the Catholic Church.
Examine God’s presence in our lives, past and present.
Recognize God’s message of love, faith, hope and salvation through His son Jesus Christ.
Realize our need for the gospel story of good news.
 
If this is the right journey for you or your child, the next three stages will continue with weekly meetings from fall through early spring.

Will There Be Anyone to Help Me Along the Way?

There will be many people ready to help you during the RCIA journey. The Core Team, sponsors, family involvement and introduction into the church community provide support on your journey of faith.

The Core Team is comprised of church members, teachers and members of the clergy who interact with you weekly throughout your journey.
Sponsors work with you one-on-one as a mentor and spiritual friend representing the Catholic faith community.
Sponsors support and guide you, pray with you and for you, and are your personal connection to the parish.
Family involvement between child, the child’s sponsor, and teacher is part of your child’s journey of faith through the RCIC.
Introduction into the church community occurs naturally along the journey since the rites associated with the RCIA occur at Sunday Mass throughout the year.

These liturgical rites are eagerly awaited and become important events for the entire parish in which to renew their commitment to Jesus Christ.

How Long Does it Take to become Catholic?

The RCIA is a journey of preparing for a lifetime commitment; consequently, there is no set timetable for completion. You can follow the journey at your own pace or stop along the way. There is no pressure exerted on anyone to become Catholic. If you choose to continue with this journey, it will take about nine months to complete the RCIA process. What’s most important is allowing adequate time for preparation to ensure spiritual readiness.

For More Information

To learn more about the RCIAdults, RCIChildren or RCITeenagers journey at Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church, contact Linda Chagnon at (970) 635-5810, email at: l_chagnon@saintjohns.net or send comments or questions to her.
 
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