RCIA

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) and

Rite of Christian Initiation of Children (RCIC)

 

RCIA is a process for those who wish to consider becoming a Catholic. Adults may or may not already be baptized in a different Christian faith tradition.

If an adult is not baptized, this process is directed to the possibility of baptism and entrance into the Catholic Church.

If an adult is already baptized in a different Christian faith tradition, generically described as Protestant, this process is directed to the possibility of entrance into full communion with the Catholic faith.  

In either case, adults are introduced to the Catholic faith and way of life.RCIC is a process for children, over 7 years of age and adolescents, that is an age appropriate, adapted process similar to the process for adults.  

In the RCIA, adults and children will experience Catholic Christianity – who we are, what we believe, how we pray, how we live our lives as a Catholic community of believers.

The RCIA and RCIC process is a period of reflection, prayer, instruction, discernment, and formation. They are meant to a deepening relationship with Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church.   

The RCIA process is ongoing, offered year round.  This process, a journey of faith begins when a person is ready to begin.  There is no set timetable and those on this journey are encouraged to take as much time needed.

How does someone get started?

Each adult begins with an initial meeting with the RCIA coordinator. The Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (RCIC) process begins with a meeting with the parent(s) and the child. There are typically four steps on the RCIA journey.   However, each person's journey of faith is different and unique to them and may not follow the timeline of steps listed below.  If you want to learn more about this process, contact the parish office or Deacon Ted Vermaas at vermaashr@gmail.com or Ludee Vermaas at lvvermaas@gmail.com.  

If you wish, you can complete this google form and someone will respond to you.

Step one: Inquiry or I'm just looking

In this first stage, all interested adults are welcomed and encouraged to make inquiries about the Catholic faith. Participants are invited to ask questions in order to discern if God is calling them to become a Catholic Christian.  Whatever a persons's reason or interest level, ALL ARE WELCOME, ALL THE TIME. Inquiry sessions are held from noon to 1:30pm on Sundays. If that schedule doesn't work - let us know and we can work with you.

If you choose to continue to Step 2, this period concludes with the Rite of Acceptance/Rite of Welcome and are asked to begin attending weekend Mass.

Step two: Catechumenate or Learning about the Faith

Step 2 is a period of exploring Jesus in the Gospels as well as to explore Catholic teaching about Christian life, prayer and practice.

If those at Step 2 choose to move forward, they conclude Step 2 with the Rite of Election. They are asked to continue to attend Sunday Mass.

Those who are not yet baptized will leave after the Sunday Mass readings and homily to further reflect on the readings and homily. This is called “Breaking Open The Word”.

Those already baptized stay through out Mass. All RCIA participants should expect to regularly attend the RCIA sessions, and the rites associated with the process. 

Step Three: Purification and Enlightenment (Preparation for Sacraments/Easter Vigil) or Getting ready for rebirth!

Step 3 continues “Breaking Open The Word” sessions, regular attendance at RCIA sessions, all rites and retreats.

Step 3 typically coincides with Lent. For those who are already baptized, the time of year may vary. Step 3 is period of prayer and time for building strengths and overcoming weaknesses. Step 3 culminates with the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation - Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. For those already baptized, Step 3 concludes with Confirmation and Eucharist. .

 Step Four Mystagogy (Deepening of Faith) - Reflecting and delving deeper

Step 4 of the process provides those newly baptized and received into the Catholic Church a deeper understanding of Jesus’ death and resurrection as the journey of living out this new faith just begin. This formal time of gathering is a time of reflection on what they have experienced and a time of direction and living out their new faith. I goes without saying that new Catholics should be attending weekly Mass, and work towards becoming increasingly more involved in the activities of the parish.