WHAT IS RCIA?

 

The letters “RCIA” stand for the “Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.”  This is the official process in which one is baptized (Catechumens), professes faith to the Catholic Church (Candidate), or for a baptized Catholic to complete their initiation process with the Sacraments of First Communion and Confirmation.

 

The full RCIA process consists of four periods of awaking, growth and formation called Inquiry or Pre-catechumenate, Catechumenate, Purification and Enlightenment, and finally The Mystagogia.  There are also three major rites that involve the entire parish community of St. Anthony’s:  The Rite of Acceptance, the Rite of Sending and Election, and the Sacraments of Initiation. 

This process varies in duration. For Catechumens and some Candidates, this process can be two years.  Candidates and baptized Catholics seeking to complete their initiation, this process maybe one year.  The difference in the duration of study depends on a person’s individual faith journey and knowledge in the beliefs and teaching of the Church.  This process will be determined by the individual with the help of the catechists and the pastor.

 

DO I NEED A SPONSOR?           

 

Yes, everyone will need a sponsor.  A sponsor must be a practicing Catholic who has received the Sacrament of Confirmation.  If you do not know anyone who can be a sponsor, inform the instructor as soon as possible, and we will find one for you.  A sponsor can attend classes with you but it is not mandatory.  There are dates in the year that will be mandatory for your sponsor.  Please refer to your calendar for these dates.

 

I REALLY WANT TO BECOME CATHOLIC, WHY IS THE PROCESS SO LONG?

 

Being Baptized is a life long commitment.  It is not just one action, but a way of life.  That life includes living your life in fulfillment of the Gospel and the teaching of the Church, ministry to others, and attending Eucharist.  Many people think they would like to be Catholic, just for the sake of being able to tell people that they are Catholic, but do not realize that it is a life long commitment. The Inquiry period helps individual make the decision that being baptized is what they really want.  Only the individual, with the help of the Pastor and catechist, can make the decision when they are ready for taking the next step in that journey.  That is why the process can be 6 months for some and two years for others.

 

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CATECHUMEN AND CANDIDATE?

Catechumens are those who have never been baptized.  Candidates are those who have been baptized in another Christian denomination that is recognized valid in the Catholic Church.  Please ask about this during your first Inquiry session.

 

WHAT IS THE PROCESS IF I NEED FIRST COMMUNION OR CONFIRMATION?

Baptized Catholics who need the Sacrament of First Communion and Confirmation will attend the RCIA meetings.  First Communion and Confirmation for these adults will be held during the Easter Vigil Initiation the night before Easter Sunday.  Baptized Catholics who need the Sacrament of Confirmation ONLY, will be attending separate meetings during Lent and will be confirmed during our community’s Confirmation during the Easter season.  .

 

Inquiry Period                      RCIA Meetings