Rite of Christian Initiation
for Adults, Adapted for Children and Teens
“Go, therefore make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
Matthew 28: 19-20
Vision
God’s message is one of love, faith, hope and salvation through His son Jesus Christ. RCIA/RCIC/RCIT is an individual paced journey to bring one into the Body of Christ. Being part of the Body of Christ, no one is alone. We become one with Jesus and the other members of the body through the sharing of the Eucharist as a member of the Holy Catholic church. This communion with Jesus begins at baptism when original sin is washed away. We continue the journey into the Catholic Church to first Eucharist sharing the body and blood from our Lord’s passion.
[1]
God loves each of us; we are His children no matter who we are or what our background. This relationship with God is extended through the Trinity and continues throughout the journey of our lives.
Summary of the Process
RCIA/RCIC is an individual journey. It is comprised of specific periods of conversion and catechesis sanctified by liturgical rites. These liturgical rites are celebrated at successive intervals and serve to bridge one period of faith building to the next as entry into the Catholic Church. This process is supported by a core of volunteers who integrate the program components of evangelization, catechesis, ritual/sacraments, sponsorship, family education and introduction into the parish community.
In addition, the process is supported by the parish Pastor and Deacons.
Outline of the Process [2]
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The Period of Evangelization/Precatechumenate | |
|---|---|---|
| (basics of Christianity and inquiry into the Catholic faith with beginning of a conversion toward God) | ||
First Step: The Rite of Acceptance and Welcome |
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The Period of Catechumenate | |
| (centers on suitable Catechesis, growth of faith, becoming familiar with Christian way of life and liturgical rites) | ||
Second Step: The Rites of Enrollment of Names, Election and Continuing Conversion |
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The Period of Postbaptismal Catechesis or Mystagogia | |
| (concluding period) | ||
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[1] In RCIA/RCIC the Sacraments of Initiation are in different order than through the routine catechesis process. Through RCIA/RCIC the sacraments are given all at one time starting with baptism, confirmation then Eucharist, usually during Easter vigil.
[2] Documented in the Archdiocese of Denver Guidelines, Norms and Catechetical Requirements for RCIA and Children of Catechetical Age.
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