Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the name given to the gradual
process of conversion to Christ and formation in faith within the Catholic Church.
Through this rite (sacred ceremony), the Catholic Church and its community of believers,
prepares interested adults to receive the Sacraments of Initiation;
Baptism, Confirmation, and
Eucharist.
RCIA is primarily designed for the un-baptized adults who hear the good news of
Christ, open their hearts to His message, and freely choose to follow Him and His
message within the Catholic Church. There is an adaptation of this rite which is
also available for adults already baptized in another Christian faith tradition,
but who are interested in joining the Catholic Church.
Since this RCIA process is a journey of faith, there is no way to affix a specific
element of time required for an individual to complete this journey to the Sacraments
of Initiation. Much depends on the individual. Catechesis (instruction and spiritual
formation) for the baptized Christian may require less time especially if they have
been active in another faith tradition. The periods or steps within the Rite of
Christian Initiation of Adult for the un-baptized are as follow:
Period of Evangelization and Pre-catechumenate:
The time of inquiry / Telling of your story / Faith sharing / The time when the
inquirer experiences faith and initial conversion.
Period of Catechumenate:
A time of conversion to Christ / Formation or development in faith for the catechumen
(the one who is the one seeking formal entry in the Church via the Sacraments of
Initiation) / The intense time of preparation for the sacraments / Breaking open
(discussion of) the Word of God
Period of Purification and Enlightenment:
A time during which deeper prayer and reflection continues in final preparation
for the celebrating of the rites of initiation at the Easter Vigil
Period of Post-baptismal Catechesis or Mystagogy:
A time after the Rites of Initiation (during the Easter season) when the Neophyte
(the newly initiated) along with the local Church take time to share and reflect
on being fully a part of the Catholic Church / Discussion continues on the implication
of baptism and the full participation with
the rest of the community in the Eucharist
and how to carry out the mission of the entire people of God within the Church and
in our every day lives.
The initiation of adults is the responsibility of the entire Catholic Church Community.
The faithful (who are not directly involved in the catechesis process) have an equally
important role. By our baptism, we are
all called to share our faith and to welcome those individuals questioning faith
and seeking to know God. Inviting people to scheduled inquiry classes is a good
first step. Better yet, accompanying them to the program would be better. Encouraging
words shared, prayers offered, and your visible, active and full participation at
the liturgies they attend all make vast difference for those on this faith journey.
Being a sponsor for one seeking to be a member of the Catholic Church is also an
important role to consider.
Interested in helping with RCIA
Please visit our helping with RCIA page for more
information.
Any person, questioning faith, or thinking about becoming a member of the Catholic
Church should consider attending. Please call
Mr. Greg Callaghan
at 412-795-3388 for further information.
If you are a member of the Our Lady of Joy Community and would like to more fully
share your faith with those on their faith journey here by being a sponsor or helping
in any other way, please contact
Mr. Greg Callaghan
at 412-795-3388.
CIC: Christian Initiation of Children
If your child is of catechetical age (around age seven... This process provides
a period of age-appropriate religious education giving the child a basic understanding
of the Catholic faith. Children participating in this program celebrate the
sacraments of Baptism,
Confirmation, and First Communion
in one celebration at the Easter Vigil. Contact the
Religious Education Office
for more information at 412-795-4389.
If you have any questions or comments about the content on this page, please contact
Mr. Greg Callaghan.