What is the RCIA and RCIC?

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process established by the universal Church for individuals to become Catholic and receive the sacraments of initiation – Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist. The Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (RCIC) is the same process for children ages seven through seventeen.

Who is RCIA and RCIC for?

1. Persons in need of Baptism.

2. Persons baptized in another Christian tradition who desire to become Catholic.

3. Persons baptized Catholic in need of First Communion and/or Confirmation.

Describe the RCIA process.

The RCIA process begins with a period of Inquiry in which those interested in learning more about the Catholic faith gather. The sessions provide basic information about the Catholic faith and afford the inquirer the opportunity to ask questions in a supportive atmosphere.

Those that have not been baptized and wish to explore the Catholic faith in further depth transition to the Catechumenate following the Rite of Acceptance. Following the Rite of Welcoming, the baptized also continue a period of formation. At this point, the unbaptized are called Catechumenates. Candidates are those baptized in another Christian denomination who are now preparing to enter into full communion of the Catholic faith through the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.

Catechumens and Candidates participate in weekly catechetical sessions concerning the major beliefs and practices of the Catholic Church. Members of the parish walk with them as sponsors providing companionship and support as well as introducing them to the ordinary rhythms of parish life.

In the Rite of Sending, the parish sends Catechumens desiring to join the Catholic Church to the Rite of Election with Bishop Robert Finn at the cathedral the first week of Lent. We then call the Catechumens the Elect. The Candidates are also sent to celebrate the Call to Continuing Conversion with Bishop Finn.

Formation continues throughout Lent in preparation for joyous celebration of Easter. During the second Sunday of Lent, the Candidates who are called to enter into full communion of the Catholic Church celebrate the Penitential Rite acknowledging their need for spiritual purification and enlightenment. They are also healed and strengthened by the Sacrament of Reconciliation prior to the Easter Vigil.

The third, fourth, and fifth Sundays of Lent, the Elect celebrate the Scrutinies to uncover and heal all that is weak in one’s life and to fortify all that is righteous.

The Elect receive the Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil the evening before Easter Sunday. The Candidates for Full Communion renew their baptismal promises, make a Profession of Faith, and receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. The parish holds a reception following the Easter Vigil to welcome our new Catholics who are now called Neophytes. They gather with their sponsors a few more times following the Easter Vigil for mystagogia, an opportunity for reflection on their new life of faith in the Catholic Church.

If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about the Roman Catholic Church, please contact Kathy Keary at 816.628-5030, extension 104, or kkeary@fairpoint.net. Also, contact Kathy if you are interested in being a sponsor, a catechist, or a part of the RCIA or RCIC team.