The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is designed for previously unbaptized adults who, after hearing the mystery of Christ proclaimed, consciously and freely seek the living God, and enter the way of faith and conversion as the Holy Spirit opens their hearts. By God’s help they will be strengthened spiritually during their preparation and at the proper time will be initiated to the Catholic Church through the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion).

Baptized Christians desiring to join the Catholic Church may also participate in components of the RCIA that are appropriate to their needs in preparation to be received into Full Communion of the Catholic Church.

Baptized Catholics who have not yet completed their Sacraments of Initiation (Holy Communion and/or Confirmation) may also participate in components of the RCIA that are appropriate for their needs in preparation for the completion of their Sacraments of Initiation.

Stages and Steps

• The first stage is called the Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate and is often referred to as the period of inquiry. This is an informal time that can begin at anytime when an adult starts asking questions about faith in Jesus and Gospel values, and the beliefs and teachings of the Catholic Church. This is a casual period that may lead a person to desire to become Catholic. There is no formal time limit or commitment in this stage. Once a person has made the decision to become Catholic then this desire is formalized by the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens.
• The second stage is called the Period of the Catechumenate. This is a lengthy period of formal study of the faith and teachings of the Church. A person in this stage will examine the Catholic faith and how that faith relates to their own life. In this period a person is called to a change of heart, often referred to as conversion. Sometime during this stage a person may express their intent to live as a Catholic Christian. The Church celebrates this decision by presenting the catechumen to the bishop through the Rite of Election.
• The third stage of the RCIA is called the Period of Purification and Enlightenment and coincides with the season of Lent when the whole Church is called to reflect on conversion and aligning our lives as faithful followers of Jesus. In this period we celebrate the Scrutinies on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th Sundays of Lent that ultimately lead to the celebration of the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion at the Easter Vigil.
• The fourth stage is called the Period of Mystagogy, during which the newly initiated will deeply reflect on the experience of what it means to be a fully initiated Catholic and how to stay close to Christ through participation with all the faithful at Sunday worship.

What is important here is to realize that while there is a structure to the process of becoming a Catholic, there are no time limits. This ensures that the person understands the sacramental life to which they are being called – that the process is more than a series of classes, steps, or celebrations to “get through”. This journey of faith is unique to each individual and respects each person’s response to God’s invitation to a faith-filled relationship.

If you have questions or want to explore the possibility of becoming Catholic, please call the Parish Office, 317-926-7359 to make an appointment with our Pastor or Coordinator of the RCIA.