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Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the journey by which
adults can become full-fledged Catholics. It is open to those who are not
baptized and those who have been baptized but now wish to join in the full
communion of the Catholic Church. This journey is filled with many phases
and special ceremonies.
 | Rite of Acceptance - The first ceremony is the Rite of
Acceptance. At this time, those who have been making an inquiry into the
Catholic faith are presented to the community during Mass. They are presented
by their sponsor who is making the journey with them. Those who have been
baptized are called candidates, and those who are not baptized are
catechumens. At this time, they are making a commitment to seriously continue
the journey to baptism and full communion with the Catholic Church. |
| Catechumenate - After the presentation to the faith
community, the group enters a process called the Catechumenate. It is during
the Catechumenate that they will learn more in depth about Catholic beliefs
and practices. |
| Rite of Sending - The next step is the Rite of Sending. This
ceremony takes place on the Sunday after Ash Wednesday during Mass. The
candidates and catechumens are again presented to the faith community. They
sign the Book of the Elect and are given the community’s blessing to be
presented to the bishop. |
| Rite of Election - Now it is off to the Cathedral to
be presented and accepted by the bishop! This ceremony takes place at St.
Peter's Cathedral in Belleville. During this ceremony, the Bishop will
“receive” you in the procession as you walk forward into a new life with
Christ. The Book of the Elect will be presented to the bishop, and he will
approve your intent to continue your journey. |
| Purification and Enlightenment - Everyone now enters a phase
of Purification and Enlightenment. During Lent, they will experience a process
of reflection and spiritual renewal. The Elect take part in three Scrutinies
celebrated on the Third, Fourth and Fifth Sundays in Lent. At Mass, they are
called forward and kneel while the priest blesses them and the community prays
for them. |
| Easter Vigil - On the Saturday of the Easter Vigil, they
will reach the climax of their journey to full communion. The Elect will
receive the sacrament of baptism, and all members will receive Confirmation
and Holy Eucharist. |
| Mystagogy - The new Catholics will now continue their
journey with a phase called Mystagogy. Now they can study more deeply what it
means to be Catholic and become active members of the faith community. |
Our RCIA program begins in late September or early October (depending on the
date of Easter) and continues through Easter. Classes can also be offered for a
period after the Easter Rites. We usually meet every Sunday in the Parish Center
at 9:00 am and finish around 10:15 am. The classes are free and anyone
(Catholics as well!!) is invited to join us. We are always looking for people to
be sponsors and to help with the classes. People who like to share their faith
journey with others are excellent candidates for membership on the team. For
more information contact K.K. Schneider at 566-2871 or email her at
kdot_kdot@yahoo.com.
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