Becoming Catholic
What is RCIA?
Today, the Catholic Church continues this mission and invites everyone to “come and see.” (John 1:46) The ordinary way that most people become Catholic is through a process that is a modern adaptation of the ancient method of the first centuries of the Church. This process is called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, abbreviated as “RCIA.”
RCIA involves several stages which together help someone move from an initial motivation to deeper relationship with Jesus and his Church. The high point of this process is the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist) which are ordinarily received by adults at the Easter Vigil Mass.
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.”
–Matthew 28:18-20
What are the steps of RCIA?
Inquiry
The Church understands that people approach the Catholic Church for a variety of reasons. That is why the RCIA process begins with what is typically called Inquiry, a time to learn basic teachings of Catholicism, find answers to questions, and begin to experience the community life of their parish church. For the unbaptized who are ready to make a formal commitment to learning the faith and preparing for the sacraments, the Rite of Acceptance is celebrated (a similar ceremony called the Rite of Welcoming is for the baptized).
Catechumenate
The next period is called the Catechumenate and is a time of learning and more intense preparation for Catholic life. Corresponding with the season of Lent, the unbaptized enter into a period called Purification and Enlightenment by participating in the Rite of Election with their bishop (a similar ceremony, the Call to Continuing Conversion is for the baptized).
Initiation
This culminates in the Easter reception of the Sacraments of Initiation. Those who were previously baptized sometimes are received into the Church at this time and may also be admitted into the Church at another time of the year according to their readiness.
Ongoing Formation
Following initiation, new Catholics go through the period of Mystagogy which normally coincides with Lent. This is a time to deepen understanding and participation in the sacraments.
FAQ
Who is RCIA for?
- Adults who were never baptized who might desire to become Catholic.
- Adults baptized in another Christian ecclesial body who might desire to become Catholic.
- Adults baptized Catholic who have not received full initiation into the Church through the Sacraments of Eucharist and/or Confirmation.
What are the steps of RCIA?
Inquiry
The Church understands that people approach the Catholic Church for a variety of reasons. That is why the RCIA process begins with what is typically called Inquiry, a time to learn basic teachings of Catholicism, find answers to questions, and begin to experience the community life of their parish church. For the unbaptized who are ready to make a formal commitment to learning the faith and preparing for the sacraments, the Rite of Acceptance is celebrated (a similar ceremony called the Rite of Welcoming is for the baptized).
Catechumenate
The next period is called the Catechumenate and is a time of learning and more intense preparation for Catholic life. Corresponding with the season of Lent, the unbaptized enter into a period called Purification and Enlightenment by participating in the Rite of Election with their bishop (a similar ceremony, the Call to Continuing Conversion is for the baptized).
Initiation
This culminates in the Easter reception of the Sacraments of Initiation. Those who were previously baptized sometimes are received into the Church at this time and may also be admitted into the Church at another time of the year according to their readiness.
Ongoing Formation
Following initiation, new Catholics go through the period of Mystagogy which normally coincides with Lent. This is a time to deepen understanding and participation in the sacraments.
How long does it take?
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults does not have an exact timetable and is dependent upon the individual needs. It is a gradual spiritual journey that may only take a period of several months, or for some, several years. Our process is regularly offered from the early fall through spring, with the Sacraments being received at Easter.
What if I was baptized in another ecclesial body?
If you were baptized in the Trinitarian formula traditional in most Protestant bodies and that can be verified, the Catholic Church already recognizes you as a Christian, though not in Full Communion with Christ’s Church.
Reception into Full Communion will be celebrated when you have been properly prepared and feel you are ready to celebrate this Rite, including receiving the Sacrament of the Eucharist and Confirmation for the first time.
RCIA/OCIA Information & Registration Forms
In July, we begin our new RCIA classes with a Meet and Greet kickoff. Adult RCIA will meet on Mondays (7pm to 8:30pm) in the Mercy Hall. RCIC classes are held on Sunday mornings (registrations begin late April).
We will send out emails prior to the kickoff with reminders and invites. A copy of the pre-registration form can be found here:
Please download the form, complete all areas, and return it to the Religious Education Office.
For more information on the Roman Catholic faith, please visit the Diocesan website at arlingtondiocese.org/becoming-catholic or visit our resources page.
RICA (Rito de Iniciación Cristiana para Adultos)
Esta clase es para adultos que están interesados en hacerse católicos. También es para aquellos que fueron bautizados como católicos de niños, pero no han recibido los sacramentos de la Primera Comunión y/o la Confirmación.
Si ya ha recibido todos los sacramentos, ¡está invitado a venir a aprender más sobre nuestra fe católica!
Las clases se ofrecen los lunes por la noche de 7:00-8:15 PM en la escuela.
Contacte a P. Nicolas para más información: [email protected] o (540) 347-2922 extensión 212.
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