RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION FOR ADULTS (RCIA)
The formation of adults and the process by which they are initiated into the Catholic Church is known as the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. These adults may be:
- Unbaptized – persons who were never baptized in a Christian denomination. They are considered catechumens.
- Baptized in another Christian Church - those catechized or uncatechized persons from a faith tradition other than Catholic. They are considered candidates
- Baptized but uncatechized Catholic Adults – persons who were baptized as infants yet not given any religious upbringing within the Catholic tradition. They will prepare to receive Sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and the Eucharist.
- Children who are in any one of these categories will be prepared through the Religious Education Program.
The RCIA is a process of conversion that proceeds in stages. Progress from one stage to another is marked by a liturgical celebration in the midst of the parish community. The stages are:
- Inquiry – What Catholics believe e.g. Bible, Mass, Mary, Prayers and Practices.
- Catechumenate - What are the sacraments, Catholic morality, dignity of life
- Purification and Enlightenment – This period coincides with Lent and is an intense preparation and prayer. This period ends with the celebration of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil.
- Mystagogy – This is a period for the new members of the Church to share and learn how they may continue to grow in the faith particularly in prayer and service in the parish community.
At St. Mary’s the RCIA process starts in September and concludes in May. For more information This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it aor call 617-696-0120
