The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process of formation for those desiring to enter the Church or complete their initiation into the Catholic Church. It is a process of deepening discipleship of Jesus Christ and entrance into his body, the Church.
RCIA is for:
RCIA involves weekly preparation sessions as well as rites that are celebrated in the midst of the community.
Please contact Justin Aquila (justinaquila@saintv.org) if you would like to discuss your interest in becoming Catholic or if you have questions about the Catholic faith, its beliefs, teachings, and/or practices. No commitment to become Catholic is required to start this process.
Interested in joining our RCIA Team? Learn more and apply here.
For non-Catholic or unbaptized children, ages 7 and older.
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The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops describes the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) as a process in which participants "undergo…conversion as they study the Gospel, profess faith in Jesus and the Catholic Church, and receive the sacraments…The RCIA process follows the ancient practice of the Church and was restored by the Second Vatican Council as the normal way adults prepare for baptism."
Likewise, the language used in the RCIA process is that of the early Church formation programs. Catechumens are those people who are seeking full initiation into the Catholic Church through all of the Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation. Candidates are people who have been baptized in a Christian tradition but are seeking initiation into the Catholic Church through Eucharist and Confirmation.
RCIA is a process of study, exploration, faith-sharing, and faith formation with specific liturgical rites for seekers and inquirers. Seekers and inquirers are non-baptized adults who desire to be fully initiated into the Roman Catholic Church and/or baptized adult Christians who desire full communion in the Roman Catholic Church.
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults is a process that proceeds over weeks and months. It has several stages:
This is the earliest phase in the process; it is also known as the Period of Inquiry. Catechumens and Candidates acknowledge that Christ is calling them into the Church through the movement of the Holy Spirit. This is a time for seeking and reflection.
The first Rite in the RCIA process, the Rite of Initiation accepts new members into the worshipping community.
The longest part of the process, the Catechumenate is a time of learning and formation in the traditions and doctrine of the Catholic Church. This is a time for sharing stories, reading scripture, and studying Church customs, traditions, and doctrine. Participants also participate in the liturgy of the Church.
Catechumens and Candidates are chosen to be received by the bishop and the community and to receive the Sacraments of Initiation at Easter.
At the Easter Vigil (Holy Saturday), all newly elected members of the community who have been journeying through the RCIA process are welcomed formally into the community of believers through receiving the Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation.
This is a time of reflection and celebration after the formal reception into the Catholic Church. Mystagogia means “leading into the mystery” and it is a time to explore the deep mystery of our faith and go forth to help build the reign of God on Earth as new members of the faithful.
Interested in joining the RCIA Team? Learn more here.