Things You'll Need:
- time for classes
- a desire to learn
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Step 1
Perhaps you were raised a different religion but was curious about the Catholic Church. Maybe you feel like you have made the decision to join. There are a few things you should know about the program, RCIA.
RCIA stands for Rite of Christian Adults. This is a passage into the Catholic Church, which has many steps. This process can take a year or even longer if you decide to enter right after the Christmas season. The first step is to talk to a RCIA counselor or director. They can tell you more about the program at their church and address any special needs. If you are divorced, an annulment is necessary before you can join the Catholic Church. Things like this take more time. -
Step 2
There are several phases of the RCIA process. The first step is called Pre-Catechurnate or the "inquiry" phase. Usually, the director or counselor will make an appointment with you to have an initial interview. If you are not baptized you are known as a Catechumen, during the Easter vigil mass you will be baptized and confirmed. If you are baptized already you will be a candidate for full communion into the catholic faith. At Easter vigil you will make a profession of faith with the community and be confirmed. The candidates and catechumens will both receive their first communion at this Mass.
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Step 3
During your time in the program, you will need to have a sponsor. This person will be your guide and Godparent throughout the process. They have to be of the Catholic faith and preferably in your parish since they will need to attend meetings with you on a weekly basis. A lot of times there are members of the church who attend the RCIA program as volunteers so if you don't know anyone at that parish, someone can volunteer to help you. Don't worry, they want to be there and they want to help you through this journey
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Step 4
The next step is called the Rite of Acceptance. In this rite you have accepted this commitment and are one step closer to initiation. During the RCIA process, you will normally attend weekly meetings as well as going to mass. During the meetings you will learn all about the church and what it means to be a Catholic.
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Step 5
During the Rite of Election, you will take a trip to be received by the Bishop. During this part of the Rite, one of the team members will come forward and call your names for enrollment to the Easter Vigil Rite. The bishop will ask a few questions of you, and shortly after this your sponsors will be asked to stand with you as they are recognized. Their testimony is the final affirmation to the bishop. You are now the 'Elect of God'. Returning to your parish as a disciple ready to say "yes" to all Jesus, asks of you.
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Step 6
During the Easter Vigil, you now will partake in the Sacraments of Initiation. What this means is that you will be baptized (if you are not already), be anointed with oil and gifts of the Holy Spirit through confirmation, you will partake in the Eucharist meal which means you will receive communion.
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Step 7
And the final rite is Mystagogy, which means to "celebrate." This part of the journey ends on Easter weekend and you are now a member of the Catholic Church. This was a simplified version. The RCIA process is a very intense and long process that requires dedication and devotion. Not every person makes it through this. However, after my process ended, I was ready to help out and become a sponsor to my husband and went through the program with him as well. The year after that, we both volunteered for the RCIA program. It's a rewarding experience like no other.
