Thursday May 23, 2013

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date The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

 


RICA (español)
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults - Non-Baptized

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults [RCIA] is a process by which non-baptized adults and children, who have reached the age of 7, are initiated into full membership within the Roman Catholic Church through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. Younger members use the same process, adapted for their age level.

jesus-baptized

 

The goal of the initiation process is to form disciples who live the mission of Jesus Christ and “Go into the whole world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15). The good news is proclaimed in word and deed in homes, neighborhoods, workplaces, towns, and cities—to every part of the world. The heart of the initiation process is conversion— conversion to Jesus Christ.

 

This conversion involves sharing in the Paschal Mystery, the dying and rising in Christ, and challenges us to conform our lives to the Gospel. It involves one’s head, heart, and feet. It means to know Jesus Christ, to believe the good news, and to put it into practice. Conversion is a life-long journey. The initiation process leads those being initiated to embrace such a conversion, which nurtures their life-long journey of faith.

 

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults provides a vision of the community walking with a candidate as God awakens in that candidate a desire for a faith relationship as the Holy Spirit opens the candidate’s mind and heart. The candidate is drawn into the mystery of God’s love. Such an invitation calls the candidate to turn away from sin and to lead a life worthy of a disciple of Christ.

 

The Process and Apprenticeship (18 and older)

1.

The first step begins with the Pre-catechumenate or (Inquiry Period) where the person asks all of the questions they may have and actually begin the process toward their reception of Initiation Sacraments.  The Precatechumenate is a time of evangelization.

 

After hearing the good news, the inquirer begins to interpret their life events through the lens of the basic Christian message found in Sacred Scripture given to us by God’s Revelation There is no commitment at this level of the process. {One may leave the process up and till the Easter Vigil}.

 

2.

The Catechumenate period (from the Rite of Acceptance to the Rite of Election) is a time of pastoral formation; an apprenticeship in the Catholic way of life. The formation of this period occurs through a focus on the liturgical year and the Sunday Lectionary.

 

The Rite of Acceptance is where the person is formally brought into the Catechumenate by way of a ritual performed during the Mass.

 

It is the time where the catechumen reflects on the Sacred Scripture, and taught the various customs of the Church; ending at the Rite of Election. At this point, those who are chosen to the Easter Sacraments wil go to the Cathedral and meet the Bishop.

 

3.

The Period of Purification and Enlightenment coincides with the annual Lenten season. It is, at its core, a time of retreat. Through the rich liturgies of Lent, the elect are led gradually to uncover “all that is weak, defective, or sinful . . . and bring out, then strengthen all that is upright, strong and good” (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults 141.)

 

4.

The Easter Vigil. The Sacraments of Christian Initiation are received.

 

5.

The final period, Mystagogy, is a time for post- baptismal catechesis. It is a time of integration and incorporation into life as a fully initiated Catholic.

Any questions please Call Brother Ken at (209) 895-6065 or E-mail

 

 

The Vatican Today