Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

Phase ONE: The pre-catechumenate is a preliminary step in the journey of faith. It is a time for inquirers to hear the Word and it is a time for community members to listen to the inquirers and answer their questions. When the inquirers are ready to proceed to the next phase, the catechumenate, a ritual called the "Rite of Acceptance to the Order of Catechumens" takes place, during the Sunday Liturgy, so that the community can welcome the inquirers to the second step of their journey of faith.

Phase TWO: The catechumenate phase involves joining with sponsors from the parish community who serve as guides, companions and models of faith for them. Sponsors commit themselves to being a vital link between the catechumens and the community. They present the candidates to the Church and also represent the Church to the candidate throughout the RCIA process. This step is often the longest period, lasting from a few months to a few years, determined by the needs of the catechumen, and by the community. The catechumens are invited to worship with the community and are dismissed after the Liturgy of the Word with their catechists to ponder the Scripture readings they have just heard. When the catechumens are ready to respond totally to God’s call to faith through the Sacraments of Initiation, the Rite of Election marks this step in the conversion process. Prior to the Rite of Election which is celebrated by the Archbishop at St. James Cathedral during the first week in Lent, the Catechumens come before the community of St. Jude’s on the first Sunday of Lent at their normal Dismissal time for the Rite of Sending.  The ritual provides an opportunity for the catechumens to officially request entrance to the Church through the Easter Sacraments of Initiation, and for the community to respond to that request by saying, "We confirm God’s call to faith in your life, and will welcome you into the Church this Easter."  During the Rite of Election, the Archbishop formally “elects” the Catechumens for the Sacraments of Initiation at the East Vigil and their names are written in the Book of the Elect.

Phase THREE: Beginning with the first Sunday of Lent, the catechumens (now the Elect) enter into their "40-day retreat" to focus on deepening their awareness of God’s grace through prayer. During this time the Church also celebrates other rituals with the Elect, called "Scrutinies." These are prayers of healing prayed by the community (on the third, fourth, and fifth Sundays of Lent) that the Elect will have the strength to withstand evil, and remain pure and free from sin as they journey toward initiation and growth in faith. While we minister to the Elect, they provide a visible reminder to each of us of the meaning and purpose of Lent, and minister to us through their presence. Finally the night of the Easter Vigil arrives — at which the Sacraments of Initiation are celebrated and the Elect are made one with the Body of Christ called Church. The community says, Now you belong, for you have been born again of water and spirit. Come, you are welcome at the Table of the Lord."