Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. This is a process of instruction and community-building for those interested in becoming Catholic, or who want to learn more about the Catholic Church.

In the early years of the Church the process was also called the Catechumenate and the person joining the Church was called a Catechumen.

People interested in participating should make an appointment for an interview.

Sessions are held during the school year: September to May (several weeks after Easter). Reception into the Church with Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist is normally held at the Easter Vigil.

• Adults never baptized who might desire to become a Catholic.
• Adults baptized in another Christian church who might desire to become a Catholic.
• Adults baptized Catholic who have not received full reception into the church through the Sacraments of Eucharist or Confirmation.
• Adult Catholics who would like to update or deepen the knowledge of their faith.

How long does it take?
The Rite of Christian Initiation is not a program of exact timing. It is the gradual process of a spiritual journey which may take a short period of time or a number of years. At St John's Parish we normally offer the RCIA program from the early fall through the winter with the Sacraments of Initiation being received at Easter. The period of Mystagogy is for the six weeks following Easter.

What if I was baptized in another church?
Once your baptism is verified, you will not be baptized again. In the Rite of Initiation, those who have received baptism will make a profession of faith in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and will receive the sacraments of First Eucharist and Confirmation.

What is the first step?
If you are seriously considering becoming a Catholic, or would simply like more information about the Catholic Faith, please contact Mark Raper via email.

The Rite of Christian Initiation (Catechumenate)
The Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA) is the process by which an interested person becomes a member of the Catholic Church. This is a gradual process within the community of the faithful. It is a spiritual journey. The RCIA, as a rite, marks the various steps on the way to full commitment within the Catholic Church. It includes five specific periods.

The Period of Inquiry
This initial period allows the individual to become acquainted with the Catholic Church, to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ and to reflect on one's own life and the stirrings of the heart.

The Period of Catechumenate
Following the Rite of Acceptance/Welcoming (first stage of commitment) this period is for deeper individual conversion and for more in-depth orientation to the Catholic faith.

The Period of Purification and Enlightenment
Beginning with the Rite of Election this is a period of more intense spiritual preparation and is intended to purify the mind and heart, and to deepen their knowledge of and relationship to Christ.

The Paschal Triduum with the Sacraments of Initiation
Celebration of the death and resurrection of Christ in the Paschal Triduum at Easter offers the appropriate time for the reception of the individual into the Church with the sacraments of Baptism, First Eucharist, and Confirmation. Adults are baptized by immersion, going down into the waters to remember the dying and rising of Jesus Christ.


The Period of Mystagogy
After the completion of their Christian initiation in the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist the individual enters a period of deepening of their understanding of the mysteries of these sacraments, and to enhance their understanding of their new faith. It is a period of deepening their Christian formation and incorporation into the full life of the Christian community.