RCIA - The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (often abbreviated RCIA) is the process through which interested adults are gradually introduced to the Roman Catholic faith and way of life. Children who were not baptized as infants are also initiated through an adapted process of this rite, sometimes incorrectly referred to as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Children (RCIC).

The RCIA is a communal process and involves a number of stages punctuated by liturgical rites to aid and assist the potential convert toward the final rite, usually at the Easter Vigil at which time they will become full members of the Roman Catholic Church. The entire process takes several months, but participants are generally invited to proceed at a pace that suits them individually. The Church prefers to call this a process and not a program.

During the Second Vatican Council, there was a call for the reinstatement of the Catechumenate. The vote was 2,165 Yes, 9 No, and 1 Null. In 1966, the provisional ritual was distributed, followed by the 2nd draft in 1969, and in 1972, Pope Paul VI promulgated the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults.[1]

In 1986, the United States of America (USA) Bishops approved US additions to the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults and National Statutes and a national plan of implementation. In September 1988, the RCIA became mandatory in the USA.

RCIA Preparation Classes:

Thursdays 6:30 PM- 8:00 PM� � � (October through May)
In the Salta Pastoral Center Conference Room

Requirements:

• Minimum of a 2 year preparation process
• RCIA requires an interview for each participant.� This interview will be scheduled immediately following program registration.� Further details of the program will be shared at that time.
• A copy of the participant Birth Certificate is needed at the time of registration, as well as a copy of a Baptism certificate if applicable.

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Join us for our …
Informational Meeting
Thursday, September 27, 2012
6:45 PM
Salta Center, Room 333

Regular sessions start October 4.