| Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A) |
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RCIA is for adults and school age children who are:
- Unbaptized
- Baptized in a Christian Faith
- Baptized Catholic and need to receive the sacrament of Eucharist and Confirmation
What is the RCIA?
Catholicism is a way of life. Becoming Catholic is a journey in faith. The Catholic Church has a process for bringing, or initiating, adults and school age children into the Catholic Church. The process is called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.
RCIA Process
This process includes a four-stage journey with three major rites functioning as a passage from one stage to the next. The celebrations usually take place at Mass.
First Stage: Pre-Catechumenate |
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This stage is a time of inquiry, not of commitment.
Rite of Acceptance and Welcoming (This takes place at a Sunday celebration of Mass.)
Second Stage: Catechumenate |
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This is a time of learning more about what the Church teaches through exploring the Sunday Scriptures.
Rite of Election or Enrollment of Names (This takes place on the First Sunday of Lent.)
Third Stage: Purification and Enlightenment |
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This is a time of retreat and reflection. It coincides with Lent.
Rites of Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist (This takes place at the Easter Vigil - the evening before Easter Sunday.)
Fourth Stage: Mystagogy |
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This is a time of uncovering the meaning of living as a Catholic. It lasts from Easter Sunday to Pentecost.
Through these different stages and celebrations at Mass you will gradually become part of the Catholic Church.
If you are interested or for further information, please contact Deacon Frank Para at 973-887-5572 ext. 112 or fpara@stroseoflimachurch.org