"The desire for God is written in the human heart, because man is created by God and for God; and God never ceases to draw man to himself. Only in God will he find the truth and happiness he never stops searching for." CCC 27 

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a four step process through which adults become Catholics or join in full communion with the Catholic Church. 

Who can go through RCIA?
One who has not been baptised but desires to belong to the Catholic Church
One who has been baptized in another Christian tradition and wants to know more about the Catholic Church
One who has been baptized in the Catholic Church but has not received the other Sacraments of Initiation (Confirmation and Eucharist) 

There are four stages in the RCIA process.
1. Pre- Catechumenate 
Prior to beginning the RCIA process, an individual comes to some knowledge of Jesus Christ, considers his or her relationship with Jesus Christ and is usually attracted in some way to the Catholic Church.

2.Catechumenate
During this time, the Catechumens consider what God is saying to them in the Scriptures, what changes in their life they need to make to respond to God's inspiration, and what Baptism in the Catholic Church means.

3.Purification and Enlightenment 
The Rite of Election includes the enrollment of names of all the Catechumens seeking baptism at the coming Easter Vigil. Typically, on the first Sunday of Lent, the Catechumens, their sponsors and families gather at the cathedral church. The Catechumens publicly express their desire for baptism to the diocesan bishop. Their names are recorded in a book and they are called the Elect.

The days of Lent are the final Period of Purification and Enlightenment leading up to the Easter Vigil. Lent is a period of preparation marked by prayer, study, and spiritual direction for the Elect, and prayers for them by the parish communities. The Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation takes place during the Easter Vigil Liturgy on Holy Saturday when the Elect receives the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. Now the person is fully initiated into the Catholic Church.

4.Mystagogia 
means to "savor the mysteries". This period continues at least until Pentecost. During the period the newly baptized members reflect on their experiences at the Easter Vigil and continue to learn more about the Scriptures, the Sacraments, and the teachings of the Catholic Church. In addition they reflect on how they will serve Christ and help in the Church's mission and outreach activities

If you are thinking of becoming Catholic, CLICK HERE for more information on how to start to process or to answer your questions.