The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
RCIA

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, also called the Catechumenate,  is the process by which people become members of the Catholic Church.

This process,[note: it is  not a programme,] is a journey of faith  through which  conversion is our response to God’s call to us. Each person will respond differently simply because we are all different.

The process consists of a small team of parishioners who are willing to share their faith story, meeting regularly with those who are inquiring about the Catholic Church, and in discussions of the Gospels.

However, the entire parish has a role to play in supporting the team and the inquirers. This happens through their  prayerful support, being welcoming, and  in practical; ways e.g.  perhaps offering their services as a babysitter to young parents etc.

Some terms used when speaking about the RCIA include

Candidate
A baptised person preparing for reception into full communion with the Church.

Catechesis
The instruction and spiritual formation  of catechumens and candidates seeking full communion with the Church

Catechumen
An unbaptsied person formally admitted to the process of preparation for the Sacraments of Initiation.

Catechumenate
The second period of the initiation process

Dismissal
The rite of sending catechumens/candidates from the Sunday Assembly after the homily for a time of reflection on the Word.

Elect
Catechumens who are chosen at the beginning of Lent   to prepare for the Sacraments of Initiation at Easter

Enlightment and Purification
The third period of the initiation process, normally immediately prior to the Sacraments of initiation during the Lenten period

Exorcism
Petitions addressed to God that the catechumens will be drawn to the real nature of Christian life – those things that draw us close to God.                                                                                     

Initiation
The process through the person enters the church

Mystagogia
The fourth period of the initiation process, from Easter to Pentecost.

Neophyte
Title given to the newly baptised adults

Precatechumenate
The first period of the Initiation process, also called the Inquiry.

Rite of Election
Celebrated on the 1st Sunday of Lent [or close to that day], the Bishop accepts those recommended by the parishes for

Scrutines
Rites celebrated with the elect on the Third, Fourth and Fifth Sundays of Lent

Rite of healing and Strengthening
Rites celebrated with the candidates on the Third, Fourth and Fifth Sundays of Lent

Sponsor
A member of the parish community who accompanies the catechumen/candidate through the periods of initiation.