"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
If you're an adult thinking about becoming Catholic, we want to walk with you! Are you thinking of joining the Catholic Church? Are you not sure yet and would just like some more info as you figure things out? Are you already a Catholic but never received all your sacraments?
Maybe you have been Catholic your whole life and just want to increase your understanding and knowledge of the Catholic faith, or just want to know why “we do what we do” in the Catholic Church?
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is exactly what you’re looking for. RCIA is the process whereby someone can learn more about what the Catholic Church is all about in a low-pressure environment with others who have similar questions, doubts, and interests. During the sessions we not only explore what the Catholic faith teaches, but also take time to answer the questions participants have and explore, not only facts and information, but also the beauty of the Catholic Church and why living the Catholic faith can be a life changing experience.
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.
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
Contact Information
If you think you are ready to learn more, please send Sandy Corrion a message below or contact her at 855-288-6704, ext. 7006.