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What is R.C.I.A.?

R.C.I.A, which stands for the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, is the process of entering into the Catholic Church. It includes different stages about learning more about Jesus, the Catholic faith, and preparing ourselves to enter into the Church.  At OLOR, the process typically takes a year and is designed to meet each individual’s needs. It begins with a series of Inquiry sessions and continues through weekly Catechumenate sessions until the individual is ready for Baptism or reception into the Church. It is a dynamic process that includes both instructions in the faith and formation for a life of Christian discipleship.

Stages of RCIA

Inquiry

At OLOR, an adult can begin the RCIA process (in English) at any time. Typically,  the newcomer, or Inquirer, spends several weeks in the Inquiry group sessions exploring and enriching their faith in our Lord, Jesus Christ and His One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. During this time, the Inquirer's questions are answered and he or she begins to see how their faith journey can develop into a life-long relationship with Christ Jesus. The group is designed for any non-Catholic who wants to learn more about the Church in a casual, pressure-free setting of religious education. However, it is also a great opportunity for those baptized Catholics to come and learn more about their Faith or to simply refresh their knowledge of the Faith.

Catechumenate

After a time, the Inquirer moves on to the Catechumenate. Members choosing to move on to this step of the R.C.I.A. process, on Sunday will meet to deeply reflect upon the four readings proclaimed every Sunday at Mass. After our reflection time, we attend Mass, and together, the group is "dismissed" after the homily. At Dismissal, we discuss and process the richness of the Mass and to reflect on songs, prayers, the Scriptures and the Homily and even the environment observed in the Sanctuary for each Liturgical Season. Dismissal helps our R.C.I.A. participants to become more and more aware of the beautiful signs and symbols of our Catholic celebrations and the Catholic Christian life. 

The length of time spent in Inquiry and Catechumenate will vary depending on the individual. For those who are unbaptized, the time involved is at least a year. For baptized Christians from other Christian denominations, preparation time may be shorter depending on their level of spirituality. Individuals seeking Full Initiation receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and  First Holy Eucharist. Those Christians seeking to join the Catholic Church also make their Profession of Faith do so at specified times during the year.

History of RCIA

Not too long ago, adults who wanted to become Roman Catholics attended a few weeks of "convert instruction" and were quietly baptized in a private ceremony by the parish priest. It was a totally private process that involved only a priest and the inquirer. One of the great gifts of the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s was a renewed process of forming and initiating adults called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.). The R.C.I.A. restores for the modern world the process the ancient Church used in initiating members. Early Christians realized that initiation is a process that proceeds through certain stages and that necessarily involves the entire faith community.

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RCIA Ministries
Few things in parish life are more rewarding than helping someone learn about the Catholic faith. You don’t need to be a theologian or an experienced teacher. You doneed to be an adult Catholic who participates regularly in the sacramental life of the Church and who has a lively interest in the faith.

Please consider one of these ministries:

• Catechumenate team member — Greet people, help guide small group discussions on Wednesday evenings.
• Inquiry team member — Help teach beginners the basics of the faith and answer questions in a small-group meeting twice a month.
• Sponsor — Be willing to share your faith journey with another adult as he or she prepares to join the Church.
• Prayer partner - Pray regularly for your catechumen or candidate. Write an occasional note or letter of encouragement.
• Scripture sharing - Facilitate Scripture sharing among catechumens and candidates during their Sunday “dismissal” time.

Training is provided for all ministries.

Some Definitions:

Catechumens are unbaptized persons who desire to be fully incorporated into the Catholic Church through the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist.

Candidates are those who have been baptized in the Christian faith and are seeking full communion in the Catholic Church through the Sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. Proof of valid baptism in a recognized Christian denomination (by way of a certificate of baptism or letter of verification from one’s pastor or church of baptism) is required of all candidates.

Inquiry is the first step in RCIA. Typically, adults spend two months discussing their faith lives and learning basic information about the Catholic Church.

The catechumenate is the second step in the RCIA. It includes weekly meetings as well as regular attendance at Sunday Mass with the group. During Mass, Catechumens and Candidates are dismissed following the homily to spend a half-hour in Scripture reflection.

The sponsor is a practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church who studies and prays with the Catechumen or Candidate and guides him or her on the journey of faith. The sponsors take an active role in the spiritual life of their catechumen or candidate and are vital to RCIA.