The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process by which you prepare to be received into full communion with the Catholic Church.

RCIA provides the opportunity to grow in the faith supported by the community of Saint Raphael Catholic Church. You begin with a period of Inquiry followed by weekly Mass attendance, study of the faith, practices and doctrines of the Catholic Church which leads to your initiation through either baptism or your profession of faith and reception of the sacraments.

"Dear RCIA Inquirer,

I am honored to welcome you to our church community of St Mary. This may be a time of inquiring and questioning of the Catholic faith. The RCIA is not a “sign-up” for becoming a Catholic. It is a time for you to seek out the truths and understand the teachings and practices as you journey in the faith through the Catholic Church.

If you have made this decision or even if you are not sure and just want to see what Catholicism is all about your time of inquiry will be respected as each person’s faith journey and path of grace is different. Our team will lead the RCIA sessions through teaching, direction, question answering, discussion, and prayer.

Then I would like the opportunity to get to know you, go over the Registration Form and understand your needs as you pursue this path. 

Finally, I pray that the Holy Spirit may guide you and prepare your heart and mind as you continue to seek the way, the truth, and the life which is found in Jesus Christ and His church. Throughout the year, please do not hesitate to ask myself or one of our priests or volunteers for help, a listening ear, prayers, or answers regarding any aspect of the Catholic faith, a personal struggle or question, or simply for support.

If you would like more information about the RCIA or are ready to take the next step please contact me."

A Glossary of Terms - There are four stages in the Rite of Christian Initiations of Adults, each marked by distinct liturgical rites.

PRECATECHUMENATE

Here at St. Mary the RCIA process begins by attending Inquiry Sessions. During this stage you are seeking information about the process of becoming a Catholic. Everyone brings their own personal story and whatever your background, your life experience is welcome and valued. You will be led to deepen your relationship with God and discover the Catholic faith. We encourage you to ask questions, hear the Gospel, and share your faith with Catholics who are members of this parish community and with other men and women who are also exploring the Catholic faith. Feel free to invite a spouse, a fiancé or another Catholic to come with you to support you and share your faith journey. Inquiry Class meets weekly on Wednesdays at 7pm.

CATECHUMENATE

When you are ready you will express your desire to accept the Gospel and continue to deepen your faith. The church will formally confirm your desire through the Rite of Acceptance and Welcome. You will begin a stage called the Catechumenate where you will study the Church teachings more formally.

There are two groups.

• The Catechumens are those who are un-baptized.
• The Candidates are those who are already baptized either in a Catholic or Protestant Church, but who are not fully initiated.

During this stage, which can last about one year, you will formally study the doctrines of the Church and the sacred scriptures. You will also learn about prayer and the worship life of the Church. You will learn how to live and serve others in apostolic witness and develop your relationship with the Catholic Christian community. You will be assigned a Sponsor who will guide and support you as you explore the Catholic faith. The sponsor is present weekly for class and represents the parish community at the rites which mark progress in the faith journey of their candidate. Everyone in the community is responsible for ministering to the candidates by the witness of their lives and dedication to each other. Class meets weekly on Wednesdays at 7pm.

PURIFICATION and ENLIGHTENMENT

The Catechumenate is then followed by a stage during Lent called Purification and Enlightenment which begins with the Rite of Election on the First Sunday of Lent. Catechumens begin a final preparation for initiation into the Catholic church. It is a time for reflection and prayer as they, now called the Elect, purify their minds and hearts by celebrating several rituals called the Scrutinies during parish liturgies. The Candidates also prepare to receive the Sacraments of First Eucharist and Confirmation. Lent ends when the sacred Triduum of Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter begins. At the Easter Vigil the Elect celebrate the sacraments. In the early Church, the Easter Vigil was the only liturgy of the year in which people joined the Church because at Easter we celebrate Christ’s victory over death and our sharing in that victory through baptism. The journey during that all-night vigil was a journey from darkness to light, from death to life. This is the journey that new Christians share as they descend and rise from the waters of baptism in which they are reborn.

MYSTAGOGY

During the final stage (the word Mystagogy comes from Greek meaning “interpretation of mystery.”) the new Catholics (called neophytes) deepen their understanding of the paschal mystery and make it a part of their lives. Mystagogy meets weekly after Easter until Pentecost.