|
First Step: Period of Inquiry
During this time, inquirers explore the idea of
becoming Catholic Christians. They raise questions about the
Catholic Faith and Life, and connect their own lives to God's will
for them.
How Long? The Period of
Inquiry is offered several times a year and lasts 6-9 weeks.
Second Step: Catechumenate (time of learning)
Some inquirers decide to commit themselves and continue
the initiation journey. Inquirers who have not been baptized
enter through a ceremony called the Rite of Acceptance Into the
Order of Catechumens. They publicly declare their faith, and the
Church symbolically claims them for Christ by signing them with
the cross. They are now called Catechumens (which means "one
who is learning"). Those who are already baptized Christians
seeking to become Catholic enter the Rite of Welcoming and are
called Candidates for Full Communion. From this point, a sponsor
is given to each Catechumen and Candidate who supports
him/her in the journey. They all participate in the liturgies
and meet weekly for study on Sundays. Adults involved in
RCIA are blessed and dismissed each week after the homily to
reflect on the Scripture readings they have heard. Following
Mass, they stay for a time to learn about the teachings of the
Church as passed down to us from the Apostles. These sessions are
open to all adults.
How Long? The United
States Conference of Catholic Bishops has stated that this period
is to last at least one year for Catechumens, and at least 6 to 9
months for a Candidate.
Third Step: Period of Purification and
Enlightenment
During the season of Lent, Candidates and
Catechumens take this opportunity by means of prayer to
reflect deeply on their lives, the effects of personal sin, and
ways to grow in personal holiness. When Catechumens and Candidates
discern, with the help of sponsors and the RCIA team, that God is
calling them to be in full communion with the Catholic Faith, they
end their time of learning the faith and begin their time of
living the faith. Catechumens enter the Rite of Election
because they have been chosen to be a Christian disciple.
Candidates undergo the Rite of the Call to Continuing
Conversion.
How long? This period
is a time of intense pray lasting six weeks.
Fourth Step: Initiation and Mystagogia
The Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday is the primary
celebration of the Lord's resurrection and is the occasion for the
celebration of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation with those who
have prepared for so long. Catechumens are given the Sacraments of
Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist). The newly
initiated are called Neophytes as they are the "new
beings" in the faith. At the same time, Candidates are
brought into full communion through the Sacraments of Confirmation
and Eucharist. These are celebrated by the Bishop or someone
designated by him.
The period of Mystagogia is a time for all to
"study the mysteries" of the Sacraments just received,
reflecting on the significance in their lives, and participate in
them fully by seeking out their place in the parish
community.
How Long? The new
Catholics continue to meet weekly during the Easter Season. The
journey of faith lasts a lifetime.
|
