THE RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS

What is it?

The RCIA is the process by which men and women become members of the Catholic Church. The length of the process depends on the inquirer’s background and needs. The RCIA takes place within the context of the parish community, and after a suitable period of formation, culminates in the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation.

Formation includes several areas:

• Scripture:  the stories of God’s people
• Teaching: What Catholics believe
• Prayer: how we communicate with God
• Liturgy: how the community worships
• Mission : how we live out what we believe

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Some terms of the RCIA:

Catechumenate: the process of formation leading to entrance into the Catholic Church

Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist

Catechumen: an unbaptized person who seeks entrance into the Church

Candidate: a person baptized in another Christian faith tradition who seeks membership in the Catholic Church

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