Interested in becoming Catholic?
Ask, and it will be given you;
search, and you will find;
knock, and the door will be opened for you.
(Matthew 7:7)
What is RCIA?
RCIA stands for “Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults”, and it is the process by which adults enter the Catholic Church. The RCIA process includes several stages that include study, prayer, discussion, asking and answering questions. RCIA aims to help men and women understand Catholic liturgy, prayer, and practices. Through RCIA, participants undergo a process of conversion, profess faith in Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church, and receive the sacraments of baptism (if they are unbaptized), confirmation, and the Holy Eucharist. All are welcome to explore RCIA.
What is the RCIA process?
Inquiry
If you have questions about Catholicism and are interested in exploring the possibility of becoming Catholic, you can begin in an “Inquiry” phase to ask those questions and discover more about the Church. We welcome you to come with your questions and share in conversation about what it means to live the Christian life in the Catholic tradition.
The length of time varies in each phase, depending on when an individual feels ready to move from the Inquiry phase.
Ritual:
Rite of Acceptance (for unbaptized)
or the Rite of Welcome (for baptized)
Catechumenate
After Inquiry, you enter the “Catechumenate” and are called a “catechumen” (if unbaptized). The Catechumenate includes deeper spiritual and faith formation, prayer and reflection, and involvement with the parish community. In this phase, you are assigned a sponsor, someone from the parish community who accompanies you on your journey. The fulfillment of the Catechumenate phase is full reception into the Church and reception of the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil (the night before Easter Sunday) .
Ritual:
Rite of Election (for unbaptized),
Call to Continuing Conversion (for baptized) &
the Sacraments of Initiation (for unbaptized),
Profession of Faith, Confirmation, & Holy Communion (for baptized)
Mystagogy
After receiving sacraments, you continue RCIA in the “Mystagogy” phase where you continue to learn and receive the sacraments and graces of the Church and join the parish community. You continue to be accompanied by your sponsor and grow in deeper communion with Christ and the Church. it is a time of deeper reflection, celebration and participation in the life of the Church.
If you were baptized in another Christian denomination, you are considered a “candidate” and reception into the Catholic Church will depend on your individual readiness.
Unlike the rites of initiation for the unbaptized, the Rite of Reception of Baptized Candidates is not tied to a particular liturgical season or feast, so it may be celebrated any time of the year, preferably in the context of Sunday Eucharist.
FAQs
Is RCIA like taking a course?
The RCIA is a process of faith formation, catechesis (teaching of the faith), and spiritual growth. While reading/resources may be suggested and recommended, there are no requirements like one might have when taking a formal course.
Do I need to find my own sponsor?
RCIA catechumens and candidates are given a sponsor to help guide, pray for, and accompany them through this life-changing process. Our evangelization team at St. Francis Xavier is ready to recommend and connect a faithful member of our parish family, who can serve as a sponsor, to you as you begin. If you already know a Catholic whom you would like to invite to sponsor you, feel free to ask that individual to participate in the RCIA process with you.
What if I start the RCIA process but feel unsure?
Feeling unsure at times is natural. After all, moving in the direction of joining a particular faith community is a significant step. It is always a good idea to speak with one of our priests to understand the source of your doubt. If you remain uncertain and feel that now is not the right time to explore becoming Catholic, you are always free to leave the process. If you step away from the process and later decide you want to return, you will always be welcome.
What’s the history of this process?
RCIA has been around since the early Church and was the method to prepare unbaptized adults to be received into the Church. The Second Vatican Council brought back RCIA.
How do I begin?
Contact Deacon Richard Ramsey at 717-263-9541