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Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults is the process by which people become full members in the Roman Catholic Church. It is a process of formation which culminates in the reception of one (or more) of the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. At the Cathedral of Saint Paul, the RCIA process begins in September and ends on the Feast of Pentecost. For baptized persons, the process can vary depending on the prior life experience, training and religious formation of the prospective candidate. For an unbaptized person, the process can be longer depending on the needs of the individual catechumen.

Stages of the RCIA Process

  • Period of Inquiry, or Pre-catechumenate
  • Rites of Acceptance and Welcome
  • Period of the Catechumenate
  • Rite of Election
  • Period of Purification and Enlightenment
  • Rites of Initiation
  • Period of Mystagogy

Period of Inquiry or Pre-catechumenate. Inquirers are invited to deepen their understanding of how God has been active in their lives, and begin to learn what the Catholic Church believes, teaches and proclaims to be revealed by God. Period of the Catechumenate. The catechumens and candidates reflect more deeply on the Gospel of Jesus Christ, His Church, and their personal journeys of faith. Period of Purification and Enlightenment. Those elected for Baptism together with the candidates deepen their prayer and examine their lives more closely as they prepare to celebrate the Sacraments of Initiation. Period of Mystagogy. The newly initiated persons reflect further on the mystery of the Easter Sacraments and become more integrated into the community of the Church as faith-filled and active disciples of the Lord.

2009—2010 RCIA Events

  • September 17 - RCIA begins
  • November 15 - Rite of Acceptance during the 10 a.m. Mass
  • February 21 - Rite of Sending during the 10 a.m. Mass; Rite of Election at 2 p.m.
  • April 3 - Easter Vigil
  • April 15 - Faith Stories
  • April 22 - Mystagogy
  • April 29 - Last RCIA session

For more information about RCIA, please contact Mark Croteau at 651.357.1337.