R.C.I.A. are the initials for Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. This rite, officially restored on December 4, 1963 with the Second Vatican Council, is the way people are now initiated into the Christian way of life, specifically in the Roman Catholic tradition.

An adult education program or a religious education class. R.C.I.A. does not have definite boundaries of a beginning and an ending, it is a process. In a class there is a definite teacher and a definite group of learners, in R.C.I.A. all are learners. "The Order of Initiation speaks of conversion and community, of hospitality and welcoming, of formation and of the sharing of faith as well as the sharing of lives." William R. Bruns

Having no set time frame this is the period when people have been drawn to the Catholic Church because they have been touched by the way in which the Catholics in their lives live the gospel day in and day out. This is an informational period where you ask questions about the Church and the Church learns about you.

Rite of Acceptance/Rite of Welcoming.

The Catechumenate

Best described as the period of formation and deepening of initial conversion. Here you will find two types of people: Catechumens those who have not been baptized and Candidates, those who have. During the coming months a series of Rites will take place; these enable the Church community to unite with you in your preparations and to continue on their conversion journey.

Rite of Sending Forth

Rite of Election

Purification and Enlightenment

This is the time in which you will make final spiritual preparations for your initiation at Easter. A series of scrutinies will take place. The scrutinies are "meant to uncover, then heal all that is weak, defective, or sinful in the hearts of the elect; to bring out, then strengthen all that is upright, strong and good." (RCIA, 141)

Mystagogy (Period of Postbaptismal Catechesis)

This is the time to relish in the sacramental experiences that you have had during the initiation process. It is your time to enter into the Christian life more fully and to deepen your beliefs. This by no means, is done alone. Rather, it is with the community, at liturgy, adult formation classes, retreats, etc.

 

Immaculate Heart of Mary's  R.C.I.A. process begins in September, with full initiation at the Easter Vigil. If you are interested in learning more about the R.C.I.A. contact ?????????at ???????or email?????????