The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults is a faith journey which consists of four distinct stages:

• Stage 1: Inquiry (Pre-Catechumenate)
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• Stage 2: Catechumenant
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• Stage 3: Purification and Enlightenment
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• Stage 4: Mystagogy + Neophyte Year
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This is the time when someone who feels drawn to the expression of Christian values begins to formally ask questions of the faith community:

Ongoing inquiry sessions for those thinking about joining the Catholic Church are offered by our parish community.

These are informal sessions that provide opportunities for the inquirer to ask her/his questions about the Catholic faith. A team of staff and volunteers from the parish community, along with other inquirers, are ready and willing to explore these questions with you. Drop-ins are always welcome.

 

Inquiry Schedule

•  Inquiry Schedule  (2009-2010)

This stage begins with the Rite of Acceptance. Those who enter this stage are claimed for Christ and marked with the sign of the cross. They are then called catechumens if they are unbaptized, or candidates if they have already been baptized in another tradition.

This period of the RCIA is a time for the catechumens and candidates to deepen in faith and commitment to Christ. Although they are not yet able to share at the table of the Eucharist, they participate in the Liturgy of the Word each Sunday.

This stage of the RCIA includes formal sessions on Catholic teaching and practice and is an opportunity for the individual to grow in prayer and to mature in faith.

With the support of community members, parish companions, godparents and catechists, the catechumens and candidates steadily conform their lives to Gospel values. They continue to deepen their relationship with Christ, and when they, with the guidance of their catechists, discern that they are ready, enter into the next stage of the catechumenate called Purification and Enlightenment.

• Catechumenate Schedule (2009-2010)

This stage begins on the first Sunday of Lent with the Rite of Election and the Call to Continuing Conversion. In local parishes, catechumens inscribe their name in a book which is presented to the Bishop in a ceremony at the cathedral later that day.

At the Rite of Election, the Bishop elects (chooses) the catechumens in the name of Christ to receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist at Easter. The Bishop also calls (exhorts) the candidates to continue growing in their faith as they prepare for Confirmation and Eucharist.

The next 40 days are intensive days of preparation to receive the sacraments at Easter. The local community accompanies the Elect (unbaptized) and Candidates (already baptized) by participating in the Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Special rites of interior searching, known as the scrutinies, are celebrated with the elect and candidates. These take place on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th Sundays of Lent.

This period of the RCIA culminates at the Easter Vigil with baptism for those who are unbaptized, a profession of faith for those who are baptized, confirmation, and the reception of Eucharist. This completes the third stage of the journey.

• Purification and Enlightenment Schedule (2009-2010)

This final phase of the RCIA finds the Neophytes rejoicing in their awareness of God’s presence in them and around them. Now, instead of leaving after the homily, they remain with the community to pray and eat at the banquet of the Eucharist as fully initiated members of our faith community.

The neophytes meet during the Easter season, then once a month through the next year. They share prayer and community with one another as they become more integrated into the faith community of the parish and the larger Church. They take time together to discover their gifts and talents, their continuing call to grow in the love of God and participation in building the reign of God.

• Mystagogy + Neophyte Schedule (2009-2010)