Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
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What is RCIA and who is it for?
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process established for the universal Church for individuals to become Catholic and receive the sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist. Centered on fostering a deep relationship with Jesus and the Church he founded, this journey takes place through distinct stages over a period of time suitable to bring about a thorough catechesis, significant experience of the parish community, and commitment to the liturgical and moral life of the Catholic faithful. The RCIA preparation period here at St. Susanna begins late summer/early fall and meets weekly until the following spring, with the candidates and catechumens entering through the sacraments into our Catholic faith at the Easter Vigil. RCIA is for: - Persons in need of Baptism - Persons baptized in another Christian tradition who desire to become Catholic - Persons baptized Catholic in need of First Communion and/or Confirmation |
Special Note: All Catholics (ages 18 and older) who have been baptized, received First Eucharist and are practicing their faith but have not celebrated the sacrament of Confirmation are invited to participate in a preparation program. The sacrament of Confirmation for adults will be held on Pentecost Sunday each year at SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Indianapolis. Click HERE for more information on our confirmation programs.
When does RCIA meet and what is the format of the meetings?
The RCIA meetings take place on Wednesday evenings from 6:30pm - 8:00pm in Parish Center East, September through April. The meetings consist of presentations of the beliefs, teachings, and traditions of the Roman Catholic Church as well as time for discussion groups, study, and prayer. The presentation topics include, but are not limited to, sacraments, liturgy, sacred scripture, Mary, the saints, social justice, prayer, and morality. For a complete schedule of meeting dates or for more information, please contact the Coordinator of Adult Faith Formation.
What are the 4 stages in the RCIA process?
1. Inquiry - also know as the Pre-Catechumenate or period of evangelization, this first stage in the process is a time to ask questions about the Catholic faith and practice. The transition from the period of Inquiry to the period of Catechumenate is celebrated though the Rite of Acceptance (non-baptized persons) and the Rite of Welcoming (persons baptized Catholic or in another Christian tradition).
2. Catechumenate - This is an extended period of instruction and preparation with an emphasis on the truths of Catholic doctrine and the moral life as well as deepening a relationship with God and the community. The transition from this stage to the stage of Purification and Enlightenment is celebrated with the Archbishop in the Rite of Election (non-baptized persons) and the Call to Continuing Conversion (persons baptized Catholic or in another Christian tradition).
3. Purification and Enlightenment - this period normally coincides with the Lenten season and is a period of more intense spiritual preparation for initiation at the Easter Vigil. At the Easter Vigil, the Elect (non-baptized persons) are baptized, confirmed, and receive the Eucharist for the fist time. The Candidates for Full Communion (persons baptized in another Christian tradition) or Candidates for Confirmation and the Eucharist (persons baptized Catholic) make a profession of faith, are confirmed, and receive the Eucharist for the first time.
4. Mystagogy - This final period of formal instruction is a period of post-baptismal catechesis. Mystagogy means a "deepening in the mysteries." This period generally lasts form Easter to Pentecost. The completion of this stage is only the beginning of a lifelong journey in the Catholic faith. The newly-baptized and newly-received are called neophytes for the first full year following their initiation.
What is a godparent/sponsor and how are they chosen?
Each catechumen (non-baptized persons) or candidate (persons baptized Catholic or in another Christian tradition) is asked to choose a godparent/sponsor. Many times this is friend or family member who reflects the qualities the catechumen/candidate wishes to have as a Catholic. If desired, the catechumen/candidate may not have a specific sponsor in mind and request the parish provide a godparent/sponsor for them. Throughout the process, godparents/sponsors will help to introduce the inquirer (catechumen/candidate) to parish practices and will discuss how to live the faith he/she is learning.
When does RCIA meet and what is the format of the meetings?
The RCIA meetings take place on Wednesday evenings from 6:30pm - 8:00pm in Parish Center East, September through April. The meetings consist of presentations of the beliefs, teachings, and traditions of the Roman Catholic Church as well as time for discussion groups, study, and prayer. The presentation topics include, but are not limited to, sacraments, liturgy, sacred scripture, Mary, the saints, social justice, prayer, and morality. For a complete schedule of meeting dates or for more information, please contact the Coordinator of Adult Faith Formation.
What are the 4 stages in the RCIA process?
1. Inquiry - also know as the Pre-Catechumenate or period of evangelization, this first stage in the process is a time to ask questions about the Catholic faith and practice. The transition from the period of Inquiry to the period of Catechumenate is celebrated though the Rite of Acceptance (non-baptized persons) and the Rite of Welcoming (persons baptized Catholic or in another Christian tradition).
2. Catechumenate - This is an extended period of instruction and preparation with an emphasis on the truths of Catholic doctrine and the moral life as well as deepening a relationship with God and the community. The transition from this stage to the stage of Purification and Enlightenment is celebrated with the Archbishop in the Rite of Election (non-baptized persons) and the Call to Continuing Conversion (persons baptized Catholic or in another Christian tradition).
3. Purification and Enlightenment - this period normally coincides with the Lenten season and is a period of more intense spiritual preparation for initiation at the Easter Vigil. At the Easter Vigil, the Elect (non-baptized persons) are baptized, confirmed, and receive the Eucharist for the fist time. The Candidates for Full Communion (persons baptized in another Christian tradition) or Candidates for Confirmation and the Eucharist (persons baptized Catholic) make a profession of faith, are confirmed, and receive the Eucharist for the first time.
4. Mystagogy - This final period of formal instruction is a period of post-baptismal catechesis. Mystagogy means a "deepening in the mysteries." This period generally lasts form Easter to Pentecost. The completion of this stage is only the beginning of a lifelong journey in the Catholic faith. The newly-baptized and newly-received are called neophytes for the first full year following their initiation.
What is a godparent/sponsor and how are they chosen?
Each catechumen (non-baptized persons) or candidate (persons baptized Catholic or in another Christian tradition) is asked to choose a godparent/sponsor. Many times this is friend or family member who reflects the qualities the catechumen/candidate wishes to have as a Catholic. If desired, the catechumen/candidate may not have a specific sponsor in mind and request the parish provide a godparent/sponsor for them. Throughout the process, godparents/sponsors will help to introduce the inquirer (catechumen/candidate) to parish practices and will discuss how to live the faith he/she is learning.
"Sponsors are persons who have known and assisted the candidates and stand as witnesses to the candidates' moral character, faith, and intention" (RCIA 10).
It is the responsibility of godparents to show the candidates how to practice the Gospel in personal and social life, to sustain the candidates in moments of hesitancy and anxiety, to bear witness, and to guide the candidates' progress in the baptismal life" (RCIA, 11).
Who can be a sponsor?
In order to serve as a godparent/sponsor, a person must
- Be a Catholic who has been baptized, received the Eucharist, and have been confirmed.
- Currently live a sacramental life (e.g. attend Mass regularly, make use of the sacrament of Reconciliation)
- Not be living in an irregular marriage
- Not be living a life of habitual sin
- Be at least 16 years of age
- Lead a life of harmony with the ministry they are undertaking
- Have the intention of undertaking the ministry of a godparent/sponsor
- Not be the parent of the individual to be confirmed
If you are a member of the parish and feel called to this ministry and would like to become a godparent/sponsor, please contact the Coordinator of Adult Faith Formation.
Is there a comparable program for children?
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Children (RCIC) refers to the catechumenal process for children as a whole who are between the ages of 7 and 18 who have not been baptized or who are baptized but have not received their First Holy Communion. RCIC is open to parishioners and non-parishioners who are in need of preparation for these Sacraments and/or for reception into the Church at the Easter Vigil. Whether you are just entering the Church, returning after time away or have decided to delay your children's sacramental preparation, please know you are welcome! Enrollment for RCIC occurs simultaneously with enrollment for Religious Education Classes (Pre-K - 5th Grade, Middle School and High School). All new students are asked to supply a copy of their baptismal certificate if they have been baptized. For more information, please contact the Coordinator of Children's Faith Formation.
In order to serve as a godparent/sponsor, a person must
- Be a Catholic who has been baptized, received the Eucharist, and have been confirmed.
- Currently live a sacramental life (e.g. attend Mass regularly, make use of the sacrament of Reconciliation)
- Not be living in an irregular marriage
- Not be living a life of habitual sin
- Be at least 16 years of age
- Lead a life of harmony with the ministry they are undertaking
- Have the intention of undertaking the ministry of a godparent/sponsor
- Not be the parent of the individual to be confirmed
If you are a member of the parish and feel called to this ministry and would like to become a godparent/sponsor, please contact the Coordinator of Adult Faith Formation.
Is there a comparable program for children?
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Children (RCIC) refers to the catechumenal process for children as a whole who are between the ages of 7 and 18 who have not been baptized or who are baptized but have not received their First Holy Communion. RCIC is open to parishioners and non-parishioners who are in need of preparation for these Sacraments and/or for reception into the Church at the Easter Vigil. Whether you are just entering the Church, returning after time away or have decided to delay your children's sacramental preparation, please know you are welcome! Enrollment for RCIC occurs simultaneously with enrollment for Religious Education Classes (Pre-K - 5th Grade, Middle School and High School). All new students are asked to supply a copy of their baptismal certificate if they have been baptized. For more information, please contact the Coordinator of Children's Faith Formation.