The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, or RCIA, is the process of welcoming adults into the Catholic faith. It takes place gradually within the community of the faithful, the Church. God’s own people provide an example to help those seeking the sacraments.

RCIA offers an opportunity for those seeking to become Catholic to come together in a small group to learn more about the faith. Almost every parish in the world has an RCIA process. At St. Austin, RCIA meets every Sunday from September until Pentecost. Focusing on the tenets of Christianity, then on the teachings and experience of the Church, and with the support of their mentors in the faith, the individuals prepare to celebrate the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist during the Easter season. A separate age-appropriate program is available for children and youth. Learn more about ~

RCIA's History

While we adapt the process to the needs and circumstances of each person seeking to become Catholic, RCIA typically has four phases: Inquiry, Catechumenate, Enlightenment & Purification, and Mystagogia.

We need your help, please! We've discovered only a few photographs of the Rites of RCIA at St. Austin! Send your photographs to us by email to ~

St. Austin

In September each year, the inquirers (those seeking to learn more about Catholicism) begin meeting together with the RCIA team. In these early gatherings, the focus is on tenets of Christianity. Those who feel called to continue towards full initiation into the Catholic Church celebrate the Rite of Acceptance and Welcome, typically celebrated at a Sunday Mass in October. In this rite, the inquirers are introduced to the supporting parish community. For this point forward, the inquirers who have not been baptized are called catechumens. Those who have already been baptized are called candidates. Before the assembly, both the catechumens and candidates state their commitment to being open to the Word of God and to the teachings of the Apostles.

The catechumens and candidates continue meeting with the RCIA team for weekly Sunday morning discussions on particular teachings or practices in the Catholic tradition. They also participate in Sunday Mass and small-group discussions of the Scripture readings used at Mass. Their Catechumenate ends with  their commitment to seek full communion with the Catholic Church. After the parish celebrates the Rite of Sending, the catechumens gather for the diocesan-wide Rite of Election. At this rite, a sponsor/godparent testifies that each catechumen or candidate is ready to be initiated into the Church. The Bishop “elects” the catechumens for the sacraments of initiation, and he affirms the candidates' advancement toward full communion.

Typically celebrated on the First Sunday of Lent, the Rite of Election, to mitigate health risks Bishop Vásquez directed that this Rite be celebrated by pastors at their individual parishes throughout the diocese. The Winter Storm crisis, postponed St. Austin's Rite of Election to the Second Sunday of Lent. 
 

During the season of Lent, the catechumens (now called the elect) and the candidates continue their preparations for receiving the sacraments of initiation. On the third, fourth, and fifth Sundays of Lent, we celebrate the Scrutinies, an ancient rite in which the whole community prays that the elect will be cleansed of original sin, even as all gathered scrutinize their lives of discipleship. Then, usually at the Easter Vigil, the elect receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist, while the candidates make a Profession of Faith and receive Confirmation and Eucharist.
 

The new Catholics, now called neophytes, continue to meet between Easter Sunday and Pentecost, investigating both the practical means of living in this new life of the Church, as well as the spiritual impact they're encountering in their new life as Catholics.
 

As the community of the faithful, the Church, we each provide a living example that helps those seeking the sacraments. Your prayers for the catechumens and candidates are essential as well! If you'd like to become involved as sponsor/godparent in the RCIA process, please contact ~  

Rachel Vaughn