Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and Children
(RCIA)

Are you or someone you know thinking about joining the Catholic Church.  Perhaps you are baptized catholic and didn’t complete your sacraments of communion and confirmation and would like to do so at this time, but you are unsure of how to get started.  We invite you to contact the Rectory Office to learn about the process of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.

What is the RCIA? 

In general, the RCIA is a process of conversion.  It is divided into four continuous phases that correspond to the catechumens (Candidate if you are baptized) progress in Christian formation.

The first area is called the Pre Catechumenate.  This is the time that an inquirer comes with questions about the catholic faith and to hear the word of God speaking and working in their lives.  When the inquirer is ready, they proceed to the next phrase, the Catechumenate through a ritual called the Rite of Acceptance and Welcoming.  This Rite is celebrated at a Sunday Mass so that the entire community can welcome the new candidates on their journey of faith.

The Catechumenate phase involves attending a weekly class with other catechumens, candidates and a catechist or teacher.  Also each week the catechumen and candidates attend Mass.  At this Mass the catechumens and candidates are sent forth or dismissed after the homily to continue to discuss the scriptures that were proclaimed at Mass.  This step is generally the longest period in the RCIA, lasting from several months to a few years, determined by the needs of the catechumens and candidates.

When the catechumen is totally ready to respond to God’s call to faith through the Sacraments of Initiation, Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist, the RCIA provides a ritual called the Rite of Election that takes place on the first Sunday of Lent.  For those already baptized the church calls them on the following Sunday to the Rite of Continuing Conversion.

During Lent the catechumens and candidate enter into a 40 day retreat to focus on deepening their awareness of God’s grace through prayer.  For those not baptized, the church celebrates other rituals during this time called “Scrutinies” These are prayers of healing prayed by the community that the catechumens will have the strength to withstand evil and remain free from sin as they journey toward their Easter sacraments.  On the Easter Vigil the catechumens complete their journey and receive the Sacraments of Initiation into the Catholic faith.  The candidates will receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist at this time also.

The last phase is called mystagogia which means mystery.  The catechumens and candidates now come together with their catechist to more deeply understand the sacraments and God’s word and everyday Christian life.  This step lasts for 50 days, between Easter and Pentecost Sunday.

If you would like to speak to someone concerning your personal journey or for more information please call the Rectory Office at (631) 732-3131 ext 10.  Come and journey with the community at St. Margaret of Scotland parish, we are waiting to welcome you!