RCIA Information

The implementation of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is addressed to the following groups:

• Unbaptized Adults (RCIA Part I);
• Unbaptized Children of Catechetical Age (RCIA Part II, chapter 1);
• Baptized but Uncatechized Adults and Children of Catechetical Age (RCIA Part II, chapter 4);
• Baptized Christian (Eastern Non-Catholic) Candidates for Reception in the Full Communion of the Catholic Church (RCIA Part II, Chapter 5).

The Rite of Christian Initiation as a Rite, marks stages along the path to full commitment in the Roman Catholic Church; the R.C.I.A. as a process, describes in broad terms what this gradual commitment means.The R.C.I.A. as formation gradually looks both to the inner transformation of the individual to God's call as given week by week in the lectionary of Scripture readings at the Sunday Eucharist and to the gradual transformation of the person to an active member of the local church wherever he or she lives.

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is one Rite divided into four periods that respect the individual’s journey of faith. Community celebrations (rituals) are the steps that mark the transition from one period to the next. The four periods and the three transition steps are:

• The Period of Precatechumenate (Evangelization) also known as Inquiry.

• First Step: The Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens and/or the Rite of Welcoming Baptized but Previously Uncatechized Adults Who Are Preparing for Confirmation and Eucharist or Reception into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church.
• The Period of the Catechumenate.
• Second Step: The Rite of Election of Catechumens and/or the Rite of Calling Candidates to Continuing Conversion.
• The Period of Purification and Enlightenment.
• Third Step: Celebration (only at the Easter Vigil for the unbaptized) of the Sacraments of Initiation and/or the Rite of Reception into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church
• Period of Mystagogy.

Period of Precatechumenate (Inquiry) has as its purpose and time: to become acquainted with the Roman Catholic Church, to hear the good news of salvation from Jesus Christ our Savior and look within at one's one life story and see connections to or needs for the gospel story of good news. This period lasts as long as the person needs it to last, from a few months to several years, if necessary.

During this period, some may decide that this is not the right time for them to become a Catholic.
 

The Rite of Acceptance (and/or Welcome) is a liturgical rite, marking the beginning of the catechumenate proper, as the candidates express and the Church accepts their intention to respond to God's call to follow the way of Christ. (RCIA, Part 1)

This rite may be celebrated at any time of the year, and more than once during the liturgical year, as groups of candidates in the precatechumenate become ready to celebrate it.

Period of catechumenate embodies the first stages of commitment leading to full membership. It is the lengthiest period of the initiation process.

The four ways in which the catechumenate period brings to maturity the initial faith that is manifested in the Rite of Acceptance and/or Welcome are: (1) catechesis, (2) liturgical rites, (3) community life, and (4) apostolic works (RCIA no.75)

During this phase, the catechumens and candidates now gather with the Catholic community on Sundays for the first part of the mass. After the homily, they are dismissed, and with their Catechist, continue a process of reflection and application of the Word of God proclaimed in the Sunday assembly.

With the help of the sponsor, the catechumen or candidate should be introduced to other members of the parish community, and take part in parish activities to the extent that they are able. They should also participate in apostolic works

The Rite of Election (and Call to Continuing Conversion) is the liturgical rite, celebrated at the Cathedral, on the First Sunday of Lent, by which the Church formally ratifies the catechumens' readiness for the sacraments of initiation and recognizes the candidates preparing for reception into the full communion of the Catholic Church.

The presiding celebrant of the rite is the Bishop of Metuchen who, in the Name of the Church, elect the Catechumens.
Before the rite is celebrated, the catechumens and candidates are expected to have undergone a conversion in mind and in action and to have developed a sufficient acquaintance with Christian teaching a well as a spirit of faith and charity. (RCIA no.120)

The Period of Purification and Enlightenment corresponds to that time known in the Roman Catholic Church as Lent and has the character of a time of retreat for the elect who are preparing for Baptism, for the candidates who will complete their initiation or enter the full communion of the Catholic Church, and for the faithful who will commemorate their own Baptism at Easter.
'
The centerpiece of this period of prayerful preparation is the celebration of the Scrutinies. Although the candidates will not be the subject of the Scrutinies, catechesis for both the elect and the candidates during this period is related to the celebration of the Scrutinies.

The Scrutinies are celebrated on the third, fourth, and fifth Sundays of the Lenten season. At the Masses at which the Scrutinies are celebrated, the cycle A readings must be used (RCIA no.146).
 

The Sacraments of Initiation is the liturgical rite, integrated into the Easter Vigil, by which the elect are initiated through Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist. (RCIA Part 1)

Reception of baptized Christians (candidates) into the full communion of the Catholic Church can be integrated into the Easter Vigil or may be celebrated, within Mass, at another time, when the candidate is ready.

The Period of Mystagogy lasts from Easter Sunday until the completion of the Easter season, fifty days later on Pentecost Sunday and completes the initiation process. Those who have just shared in the sacraments of initiation are now called Neophytes and during this period of Easter joy they reflect on what they have just gone through and look to the future as to how they can now share in the mission of Christ who came to bring salvation and life to the whole world. The Bishop gathers with the neophytes for a Eucharistic celebration during the Easter season.