RCIA

RCIA stands for the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. RCIA is a process of gradual steps by which a person becomes a member of the Catholic Church. At the peak of each of these steps there is a formal ceremony, called a Rite, which is celebrated within the Catholic Community.

The three major Rites of RCIA are:

• Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumen (for those who have not been baptized) or Welcoming Candidates for Full Communion (for those already baptized into a Christian community)
• Rite of Election (for those who have not been baptized, Catechumens) or the Call to Continuing Conversion (for those already baptized into a Christian community, Candidates for Full Communion)
• Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation (usually celebrated at the Easter Vigil)

The most important part of RCIA is that it is centered on a relationship with Jesus Christ and His bride, the Church. RCIA provides a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere to learn more about the Catholic faith, giving each individual the opportunity to respond to the invitation to join the Catholic Church in a life of prayer and worship of God if he or she so chooses after careful discernment.

For more information about RCIA, please contact Jenny Campbell.