BECOMING CATHOLIC
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) offers those interested on any level an opportunity to explore the Roman Catholic faith and what it means in today鈥檚 world.
Some have a desire to learn more about the faith but do not necessarily want to become Roman Catholic. Others who are not baptized not only want to learn about Catholicism but have a desire to seek Baptism when they find themselves spiritually ready to make a commitment.
Still others are already baptized in a Christian faith and might want to join the Catholic Church. Finally, there are those baptized Catholics who did not complete their Christian initiation or fell away from the practice of the faith and desire to re-commit themselves to the Catholic Church while at 草榴社区.聽
What are the steps of RCIA?
Prior to beginning the RCIA process, an individual comes to some knowledge of Jesus Christ, considers their relationship with Jesus Christ and is usually attracted in some way to the Catholic Church. This period is known as the聽period of evangelization and pre-catechumenate. For some, this process involves a long period of searching; for others, a shorter time. Often, contact with people of faith and a personal faith experience lead people to inquire about the Catholic Church.聽
After a聽conversation with a priest or RCIA director, the person, known as an "inquirer," may seek acceptance into the Order of Catechumens through the聽Rite of Acceptance. During this Rite, the inquirer stands amidst the parish community and states that they want to become a baptized member of the Catholic Church. The parish assembly affirms this desire and the inquirer becomes a "catechumen."
The聽period of the catechumenate聽can last as long as several years. It depends on how the person is growing in faith, what questions they encounter along the way and how God leads them on this journey. During this time, the catechumens consider what God is saying to them in the Scriptures, what changes in their life they聽need to make to respond to God's inspiration and what聽Baptism in the Catholic Church means to them.聽
When a catechumen, the priest and the parish team working with the individual believes they're ready to make a faith commitment to Jesus in the Catholic Church, the next step is the request for baptism and the celebration of the Rite of Election. Even before the catechumens are baptized, they have a special relationship to the Church.
What is meant by "coming into full communion with the Church"?
Coming into full communion with the Catholic Church describes the process for entrance into the Catholic Church for individuals who are baptized Christians but not Roman Catholics. These individuals make a profession of faith but are not baptized again.聽
To prepare for this reception, "candidates" usually participate in a formation program to help them understand and experience the teachings and practices of the Catholic Church. Some preparation may be with catechumens preparing for baptism, but the preparation for candidates is different as they have already been baptized and committed to Jesus Christ. Many have also been active members of other Christian communities.
Is there a ceremony for Catholics returning to the Church?
Catholics who were baptized and confirmed and made First Communion but drifted from the faith can return through the Sacrament of Penance. Catholics who were baptized but never received Confirmation and/or Eucharist can participate in the process of continuing conversion.
This process is completed with the reception of the sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Communion at the Easter Vigil or during the Easter Season.