RCIA (adults) and RCIC (children 7 years of age and older) are for those persons who have not been baptized or baptized in another Chrisitan community and who are interested in learning more about initiation into the Catholic Church through gatherings during the year.
OUTLINE FOR CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA)
Period of Evangelization and PreCatechumenate: This is a time of no fixed duration or structure for inquiry and introduction to Gospel values and an opportunity for the beginnings of faith.
First Step - Acceptance into the order of catechumens: This is the liturgical rite, usually celebrated on some annual date or dates, marking the beginning of the catechumenate proper, as the candidates express and the Church accepts their intention to respond to God’s call to follow the way of Christ.
Period of the Catechumenate: This is the time, in duration, corresponding to the progress of the individual, for the nurturing and growth of the catechumen’s faith and conversion to God; celebrations of the word and prayers of exorcism and blessing are meant to assist in the process.
Second Step - This is the liturgical rite, usually celebrated on the First Sunday of Lent, by which the Church formally ratifies the catechumen’s readiness for the sacraments of initiation and the catechumens, now the elect, express the will to receive the sacraments.
Period of Purification and Enlightenment: This is the time immediately preceding the elects’ initiation, usually the Lenten season preceding the celebration of this initiation at the Easter Vigil; it is a time of reflection, intensely centered on conversion, marked by celebration of the scrutinies and presentations and of the preparation rites for Holy Saturday.
Third Step - Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation: This is the liturgical rite, usually integrated into the Easter Vigil, by which the elect are initiated through baptism, confirmation and the eucharist.
Period of Post baptismal catechesis or Mystagogy: This is the time, usually the Easter season, following the celebration of initiation, during which the newly initiated experience being fully a part of the Christian community by means of pertinent catechesis and particularly by participation with all the faithful in the Sunday Eucharistic celebration.
OUTLINE FOR CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF CHILDREN (RCIC)
The catechesis of children seeking the sacraments of initiation follows the process of adult initiation, mindful of the developmental age of each child and the assistance they need in education. This process is set within the context of peers, parents and community. It should be noted the children are dependent on their parents and guardians and are strongly influenced by those around them and their social surroundings. As in the adult process, children will experience each phase according their own understanding and experiences.
The Period of Evangelization and PreCatechumenate: Children will become acquainted with the all-loving God and Jesus Christ, Within the context of family the children hear their family story of faith and the Church tells the story of God’s love in the Christian community.
The Rite of Acceptance: This marks the end of the first period and the beginning of the second, the catechumenate. The children celebrate the desire for conversion and declare their intention to become members of the Church.
The Period of the Catechumenate: During this time the children are engaged in catechesis that is suitable to their age and experience to become familiar with the Christian way of life through family and community.
The Rite of Election: This is a time of celebration of God’s election, or choice, of the children as expressed through the voice of the Church.