he Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the name given to the gradual process of conversion to Christ and formation in faith within the Catholic Church. Through this rite (sacred ceremony), the Catholic Church and its community of believers, prepares interested adults to receive the Sacraments of Initiation; Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.

CIA is primarily designed for the un-baptized adults who hear the good news of Christ, open their hearts to His message, and freely choose to follow Him and His message within the Catholic Church. There is an adaptation of this rite which is also available for adults already baptized in another Christian faith tradition, but who are interested in joining the Catholic Church.

ince this RCIA process is a journey of faith, there is no way to affix a specific element of time required for an individual to complete this journey to the Sacraments of Initiation. Much depends on the individual. Catechesis (instruction and spiritual formation) for the baptized Christian may require less time especially if they have been active in another faith tradition. The periods or steps within the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adult for the un-baptized are as follow:

Period of Evangelization and Pre-catechumenate: The time of inquiry / Telling of your story / Faith sharing / The time when the inquirer experiences faith and initial conversion.

Period of Catechumenate: A time of conversion to Christ / Formation or development in faith for the catechumen (the one who is the one seeking formal entry in the Church via the Sacraments of Initiation) / The intense time of preparation for the sacraments / Breaking open (discussion of) the Word of God

Period of Purification and Enlightenment: A time during which deeper prayer and reflection continues in final preparation for the celebrating of the rites of initiation at the Easter Vigil

Period of Post-baptismal Catechesis or Mystagogy: A time after the Rites of Initiation (during the Easter season) when the Neophyte (the newly initiated) along with the local Church take time to share and reflect on being fully a part of the Catholic Church / Discussion continues on the implication of baptism and the full participation with the rest of the community in the Eucharist and how to carry out the mission of the entire people of God within the Church and in our every day lives.

he initiation of adults is the responsibility of the entire Catholic Church Community. The faithful (who are not directly involved in the catechesis process) have an equally important role. By our baptism, we are all called to share our faith and to welcome those individuals questioning faith and seeking to know God. Inviting people to scheduled inquiry classes is a good first step. Better yet, accompanying them to the program would be better. Encouraging words shared, prayers offered, and your visible, active and full participation at the liturgies they attend all make vast difference for those on this faith journey. Being a sponsor for one seeking to be a member of the Catholic Church is also an important role to consider.

ny person, questioning faith, or thinking about becoming a member of the Catholic Church should consider attending one of the regularly scheduled Inquiry Programs. This ten-week program is held usually four time a year. It is a good way for one to begin their Catholic faith journey. Call the CIC office at 459-7267 for the scheduled dates and time for this Inquiry program.

f you have attended an Inquiry Program and wish to pursue the RCIA process, please contact Fr. John Kenny at 459-7267 or JKenny@catholicinformationcenter.org.

f you are a member of the Center’s Community and would like to more fully share your faith with those on their faith journey here at the Catholic Information Center by being a sponsor, contact Joyce Johnson at 365-0049 or Joyce_Johnson@comcast.net.

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