The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the process whereby adults are initiated into full communion with the Catholic Church. The R.C.I.A. is for

• those who were baptized in other faith traditions but now feel called to become Catholic.
• those who have never been baptized or do not belong to a faith tradition but now feel called to become Catholic.
• those who were baptized Catholic but never received Confirmation and First Holy Communion.
• those who have received both Catholic baptism and First Holy Communion but were never Confirmed.

The First Step

The first step in the process is to contact the Office of Adult Formation in order to register or enroll in the process. Registering for R.C.I.A. does not obligate one to continue in the process of becoming fully Catholic. It is merely the first step in a very personal journey of conversion. Anyone interested in learning more about the process should contact the Director of Adult Formation and R.C.I.A. at (630) 232-0124 ext. 110.

Period of Inquiry

The Period of Inquiry is a time of discernment. During this period the Inquirer learns about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and reflects on his/her own journey of life in light of God’s reign. The Inquirer learns about key aspects of the Catholic Christian faith and explores their own experiences of God. R.C.I.A. sessions begin in October. We meet every Sunday morning in the Muldoon Room until the Rite of Acceptance.

Rite of Acceptance

The Rite of Acceptance marks the end of the Period of Inquiry and the beginning of the Period of the Catechumenate. This Rite takes place during mass in early November. During this Rite, those who wish to continue on the journey publicly express their desire to follow Christ. The church accepts their intention and publicly welcomes them into the Order of the Catechumenate.

After this Rite, we will all attend mass together. After the homily, we will gather at the altar for a special blessing. We will then gather in Muldoon Room where we will reflect on the scripture readings at mass and then continue in our formal class.

Rite of Sending

This Rite takes place at St. Peter Church. At this liturgical celebration, those in the Order of the Catechumenate present themselves to the assembly, who formally “send” them to the Bishop. This Rite will take place at mass in late February.

Rite of Election and Enrollment of Names

This liturgical rite is celebrated on the First Sunday in Lent at the Cathedral in Rockford (Sunday, March 1st, 2009). During this celebration, the Bishop formally acknowledges the journey the catechumens have made thus far and calls them to the Sacraments of Initiation. From this time until they receive the Sacraments of Initiation, those in the R.C.I.A. are called “the elect.”

Period of Purification and Enlightenment

The period of Lent is known by this name because it is a time of deepening conversion and scrutiny of one’s own life. During this period, there are three public ceremonies, called “scrutinies,” during which the elect and the community focus on the call to continuing conversion, prayer and penance.

Sacraments of Initiation

The elect become full members of the Catholic Church through the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Communion and Confirmation. This Rite occurs on the Great Vigil of Easter, which will be celebrated on April 11th of 2009.

Mystagogy

During the fifty-days after Easter, new Catholics (called “neophytes”) continue to meet to reflect on the journey and learn how to share the Gospel they themselves just received. It is an opportunity to “unpack” the experience and learn where to go from here.

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