RCIA Calendar for 2023-2024

Who is the process for?

The preparation process by which adults come into the Catholic Church is called "RCIA," which is short for "The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults."   It typically lasts 9 months, but may vary depending on the needs of the individual.
 

RCIA classes take place on Thursday at 6pm starting in September.

1. The unbaptized. The primary focus of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is for individuals who are not already Christian. 
2. Those baptized but not fully initiated.  RCIA is also a place for those who are already  baptized Catholic but never received the other two sacraments of initiation; First Communion & Confirmation.
3. Those seeking to convert to Catholicism. These are baptized, practicing Christians from other denominations who seek entry into the Catholic Church.

In the case of children over the age of reason (age 7), we have an RCIA process adapted for children.

What does the process look like?
RCIA is based on the principle that the process of conversion proceeds gradually, in stages. Progression from one stage to the next is marked by a liturgical celebration in the midst of the parish community.  

Inquiry (precatechumenate)
The first stage is called the period of Inquiry.  There is no commmitment or liturgy for this phase.  It is a great place to ask questions, disern, and get to know some of our parish leaders.  It can last anywhere from a couple weeks to a couple years. It varies based on when the individual is ready to move forward in the process. Typically, this period of Inquiry lasts from September through November.

Catechumenate
The second stage of RCIA is called Catechumenate. It involves a deeper and more systematic look at the Catholic Faith.
Purification and Enlightenment

The third stage is the period of Purification and Enlightenment. Third stage typicaly coincides with Lent, a period of 40 days when Christians reember the events leading up to the death of Jesus Christ.  This period is a time of deeper prayer and spiritual preparation.  This period ends with the celebration of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. (Note: only the unbaptized are baptized. All receive First Holy Communion and Confirmation).
Mystagogy

The fourth stage is the period called mystagogy. It is the final period of the initiation of adults (Rite of Christians Initiation of Adults [Study Edition, Chicago, 1988] 37). This period typically lasts until Penecost; 50 days following Easter.