RCIA, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, is the process by which adult converts are received into full communion with the Catholic Church. It takes place in four stages:

1. Pre-Catechumenate or Inquiry phase. Normally, it starts in September and gathers information, answers questions and corrects misunderstandings;

2. Catechumenate phase, which is a process of spiritual information and introduction to Catholic parish life;

3. Election phase, meaning that the candidate is fit for the sacraments of Initiation at Easter. This rite starts on the first Sunday of Lent and includes scrutinies, presentations and anointing;

4. Final Initiation phase takes place at the Easter Vigil, when the catechumens are baptized, confirmed and receive their First Holy Communion.

5. Mystagogia is the phase following Easter and leading to Pentecost.

The parish can start the renewal process all over again the following year. There is variation in the way the RCIA is used. Some parishes make a distinction between the unbaptized (catechumens) and those baptized in another Church (candidates for full communion); others do not. In other words, a parish may have two types of RCIA programs. The RCIA program was initiated by Pope Paul VI on January 6, 1972.

If you are interested in partaking in the RCIA program and would like to know more about the program at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church, please contact richardk@saintbonaventure.org.