THE RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS
is a process of preparation for entrance into the Catholic Church.
The process has four stages.
Stage 1. Precatechumenate (Period of Inquiry)
- A time to ask questions and to learn some of the basic beliefs of the Catholic Church
Stage 2. Catechumenate
- A time to learn what the Church teaches based on Scripture and Tradition
Stage 3. Purification & Enlightenment
- A time to learn the moral teachings of the Church
- to examine one’s personal behavior
- a time for reflection and spiritual growth
Stage 4. Mystagogia
- A time to deepen understanding of the Catholic faith
- to live as a Catholic Christian
- to continue reflecting on your Christian journey
- to become aware of God’s presence in your daily life
- to enter more fully into parish life
- to attend faith-deepening programs
THE RCIA PROCESS APPLIES TO THOSE WHO ARE IN ONE OF THREE GROUPS
- One who is not baptized and who is being instructed in the Catholic faith is called a Catechumen
- One who has been baptized in another Christian church and who is being instructed in the Catholic faith is called a Candidate
- One who has been baptized in the Catholic faith, but who has not received Communion or Confirmation is also called a Candidate
The sacraments one receives at Initiation are
Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation