Interested in becoming Catholic? Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a wonderful program preparing adults and older teen-agers into membership of the Church. Each person will have a sponsor, a practicing Catholic who participates and supports the faith journey.
There are four periods to the RCIA program.
1. Period of Inquiry: about seven weeks
This is also a time of discernment. If the inquiring person decides to continue, they take their first step known as the Rite of Acceptance. This beautiful short ceremony takes place at Annunciation on the second Sunday of Advent.
2. Period of Catechumenate: about seven to nine weeks
Upon successful completion the catechumen and/or candidate will take their second step participating in the Rite of Election and Enrollment of Names. Though the main ceremony takes place at the Cathedral Basilicaof St. Louis with the Archbishop, the Rite begins at Annunciation with the catechumen(s) signing their name in the parish enrollment book on the first Sunday of Lent.
3. Period of Purification & Enlightment: ongoing process of conversion and living the Catholic Christian way of life
Both Catechumen(s) and Candidate(s) will participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Palm Sunday. They will also participate in the Sacred Triduum during Holy Week. Their third step is the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation for Catechumens (Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation). Candidates will make a profession of faith and be welcome into our Catholic Christian Church with reception of the Sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Communion. This wonderful and deeply spiritual celebration takes place during the Easter Vigil Mass.
4. Period of Mystagogy: Easter Sunday to Pentecost Sunday
It is a post baptismal period and a time of settling in. It is also a time to encourage our new Catholic Christian members to love themselves and all people as God our Father loves us, by being understanding, compassionate, gentle, and merciful to ourselves and others.
RCIA classes are open to all parishioners interested in learning more about their faith. Contact RCIA director Patrick Stack to learn more about RCIA or wanting to become a member of the RCIA team.