Last Updated on September 9, 2024 by Editor
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) or RCIC (for children) is the process established for the universal Church for individuals to become Catholic and receive the Sacraments of initiation – Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.
This initiation process also involves a parish community experiencing a renewal in faith as it prepares and welcomes new members into the Church. The Rite speaks of conversation as a “spiritual journey.”
Centered on fostering a deep relationship with Jesus and the Church He founded, this journey takes place through distinct stages over a period of time suitable to bring thorough catechesis, significant experience of a parish community and commitment to liturgical and moral life of the Catholic faithful.
The RCIA process is a restoration of the ancient catechumenate, arising within the first three centuries. The Second Vatican Council called for the restoration and use of this venerable and powerful method of initiation for the worldwide Church.
When a person makes the decision to journey this pathway, a “Rite of Welcome” takes place to introduce him/her to their parish family. They choose a sponsor that will journey with them along with a parish sponsor who represents the community and supports them through prayer and conversation.
The Candidate (a person who has been baptized) or Catechumen (a person who has not received the sacrament of Baptism) meets weekly with the RCIA team to prepare themselves for initiation into the church. The “Rite of Sending” is a special ceremony in which the parish community sends forth the candidates and catechumens to the “Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion” with the Bishop.
This rite marks the beginning of the final steps of preparation for them to be received into full initiation with the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil.
To learn more, contact Anne Elacqua at 315-941-7447 or aelacqua@syrdio.org