Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)
Also known as OCIA, Order of Christian Initiation for Adults
Joining the Catholic Church
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults and Children (RCIA) is a process in which people explore their own faith in relation to the Catholic Christian community.
Learn more by about becoming a Catholic via this USCCB link (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Contact the Family of Parishes Catholic Education Office: 716-688-0599
Steps to Becoming a Catholic through RCIA/OCIA
Step 1 - BE CURIOUS:
A person who is attracted to the Christian message and the church in some way begins to seek out people to ask for more information. This can be a long search or a short term transition in their life this stage is called: Period of Evangelization and Pre-catechumenate
Step 2: SEEK ACCEPTANCE
The inquiring person asks the community to be accepted into community for further formation and Baptism. This is called the Rite of Acceptance
Step 3: EXPLORE THE FAITH
During this period a person will work with community members to explore the faith and prepare themselves for baptism into the Catholic Church. This can be a shorter time or can take aseveral years. Based on the needs of the individual. This is called the Period of the Catechumenate.
Step 4: BECOME AN ELECT
When the Catechumen, the priest and leading community members believe they candidate is ready for Baptism, they gather with their sponsors at the local Cathedral (Generally on the first Sunday of Lent) to announce their desire for Baptism and their name is recorded in a the book of the Elect. This is called the Rite of Election.
Step 5: PRAYERFUL PREPARATION
During the days Lent, the Elect will spend time in prayer, study and spiritual direction. Their prayers will be joined by the prayers of the community to uplift them during this moment of their journey. This is called the Period of Purification and Enlightenment
Step 6: CELEBRATION OF THE SACRAMENTS
The Elect gather with their families and sponsors to celebrate the Sacraments of Initiation. This takes place during the Easter Vigil Liturgy on Holy Saturday where the Elect receives the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. Now the person is fully initiated into the Catholic Church.
Step 7:THE JOURNEY CONTINUES
After Easter is the period of the Post-Baptismal Catechesis Where newly baptized members reflect on their initiation and continue to learn more about the Scriptures, the Sacraments, and the teachings of the Catholic Church. They also reflect on how they will serve Christ and help in the Church's mission and outreach activities. This period begins their life-long Mystagogy
Come Journey With Us Toward the Greater Glory
