Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a journey through distinct spiritual phases of increasing maturity whereby one prepares to commit themselves to Jesus Christ and His Church through seeking the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and First Eucharist / First Holy Communion).
RCIA journey
- Any Unbaptized person seeking to follow Christ in His Church by way of making preparations for Christian discipleship through Baptism, Confirmation and First Eucharist/First Holy Communion. Such a person, after a period of inquiry into the faith and initial conversion to Christ is called a Catechumen.
- Any Baptized person from another Christian community seeking to become Catholic through making preparations for Confirmation and First Holy Communion. Such a person, after a period of inquiry into the faith, is called a Candidate.
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Any Baptized Catholic looking to increase their devotion as a disciple of Jesus Christ through completing the other sacraments of initiation (Confirmation and/or First Holy Communion).
What should RCIA look like?
The rite of initiation is… a spiritual journey… that varies according to the many forms of God’s grace and the free cooperation of the individuals (RCIA, Introduction #5).
This journey includes not only the periods for making inquiry and for maturing, but also the steps marking… progress, as they pass… or ascend to the next level (RCIA, Introduction #6).
RCIA periods and steps
What is known as RCIA is based on, and is an application of, the Catechumenal Model. Due to how grace works on nature, these periods of maturation are requisite toward drawing one into a closer union with Christ.
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