The RCIA Process

From The RCIA Transforming the Church (paragraph 1 from the General Introduction): In the sacraments of Christian initiation, we are freed from the power of darkness and joined to Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. We receive the spirit of filial adoption and are a part of the entire people of God in the celebration of the memorial of the Lord's death and resurrection.

Evangelization “is necessary for Christian initiation. Men and women hear the gospel proclaimed, by word and deed, and come to a particular Christian community as a result of this initial stirring in faith. The process whereby adults both hear and respond to this gospel in the Catholic community is called the Rite of Christian of Adults.” (The RCIA Transforming the Church, Thomas Morris)

Evangelization leads to conversion.

Conversion “is first of all a work of the grace of God who makes our hearts return to him.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church #1432) It is an on-going process that never ends. It involves various stages of change. Conversion is a turning from something coupled with a turning towards something else. Christian faith is conversion to Jesus Christ.

Periods of Formation And Liturgical Steps:
The rites celebrated throughout the process gives graces which aid in the person's process of conversion, understanding of church teaching, and the desire for the faith.

RCIA - Questions & Answers:
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has gathered together a great resource explaining the RCIA process. Follow the link below...

http://www.USCCB.org/comm/archives/rciaq&a98.htm

<< PREV | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | NEXT >>