St. Paul the Apostle
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is the process by which adults are initiated into the Catholic Church. The RCIA process is conducted by a team of lay church members and clergy over several months, usually beginning each September and continuing through Easter.
RCIA is not a course or class in Catholicism. RCIA is a process by which those interested in the faith are accompanied towards an encounter with Jesus Christ as individuals move toward a Christ centered life. It is designed to meet the unique and individual needs of those participating.
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Through prayer, in person sessions and interactions with members of the parish community, those in RCIA are seeking a relationship with Jesus Christ and committing to an ongoing life of faith formation within the Catholic Church.
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What To Know and Expect:
RCIA, at first glance, can appear overwhelming. The history and teachings of the Catholic Church are deep, and at times, complex. RCIA helps adults explore the faith through knowledge, but more importantly through experiences with great support and encouragement.
We have prepared a list of common questions and answers HERE that are intended to help those who may be considering RCIA to understand its purpose and structure as well as the expectations that come with it.
It is important to read these over before reaching out to the parish directly. If you decide to inquire further after familiarizing yourself with the information please contact the parish Pastoral Minister.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
Who is RCIA intended for? ▪ Non-Catholics who want to find out more about the Catholic faith. ▪ Those who want to join the Catholic Church through Baptism or a Profession of Faith ▪ Those who were baptized Catholic as children but never received religious education, Confirmation or First Communion
Why is RCIA described as a process and not a program? Christians are made, not born. There is nothing automatic or instant in the Rite of Christian Initiation. The development of faith takes times and cannot be rushed along. The candidates must be provided sufficient time and opportunity to explore and for the faith to develop. Generally. This takes close to a year of formation. However, depending on the background and personal characteristics of each individual this can take longer. As a process RCIA is not simply a check list of readings and tasks to complete. It is truly a personal journey of faith for each one enrolled in RCIA.
What does the process look like? There are 5 stages of the RCIA Process. Depending on each individual’s background and experience some or all of those enrolled will participate in all 5 stages. These stages can generally be described in the following ways • Period of Inquiry: At this time participants are encouraged to ask questions and explore the basic tenets of the Catholic faith and to reflect upon these in light of their own life experiences. • Period of the Catechumenate: It is during this time that most of study of Scripture, doctrine, traditions and meeting with the community takes place. • Period of Purification and Enlightenment: For those preparing for baptism, this stage takes place during the Lenten season where they reflect upon their own faith experiences in a more intense, prayerful way. Other times during the year, baptized candidates reflect more deeply upon the meaning of their baptism and celebrate the Sacrament of Penance. • Sacraments of Initiation: All participants celebrate their initiation into the Church on the holiest of nights-the Easter Vigil - where they are baptized (if applicable), confirmed and receive Eucharist. • Period of Mystagogy: This is a time for candidates to reflect upon their experiences of being new Catholic Christians and find their place in the ordinary life of the Church.
Must I make a commitment to Catholicism to participate in RCIA? No! We realize that many people are searching and need to know more about the Church before they make such a commitment. We also realize that the response to our Lord’s invitation to become Catholic happens at different times in people’s lives and some people desire a different timeline for discernment. We will support those wishes as it is not our intent to pressure anyone towards making the commitment. At the start of the season of Lent we will ask for a fuller commitment as we enter into the Period of Purification and Enlightenment.
Is there a fee to participate in RCIA? No. The process includes some materials for study which are provided by the parish once enrolled.
What if I cannot attend the planned evening and/or weekend RCIA sessions due to my availability of other commitments? RCIA is a commitment unto itself. It is necessary to be able to set aside the required time as much as possible. We realize that things come up unexpectantly and some flexibility can be granted, however an overall commitment is expected. If you are interested in RCIA and concerned about the scheduling contact the RCIA Leader to discuss this before making a decision regarding involvement.
I was baptized in another Christian faith (i.e., Anglican, Methodist, United). Must I be re-baptized in order to join the Catholic Church? No. There is only one Baptism. Candidates seeking full Communion within the Catholic Church will not be baptized again. They will simply make a Profession of Faith and receive the Sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation. The process and rites for those already baptized will differ in some ways from those who are being baptized however the journey is still a communal one with prayer and study in addition to reflection.
My child has not been baptized and is over the age of 7. Does he/she participate in RCIA? No. Children who are over the age of 7 participate in a process specifically for their age group. This is called RCIC (Rite of Christian Initiation of Children) and is unique in its structure. Contact the RCIA Leader for more information on RCIC.
