Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process through which interested adults are gradually introduced to the Roman Catholic faith and way of life.
The RCIA is a communal process of formation moving toward the Easter Vigil. At this time, the adult becomes a full member of the Roman Catholic Church.
The entire RCIA process usually takes several months and involves transitioning through four stages. Unbaptized adults undertaking this journey of initiation are called "catechumens." They are preparing for the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. Because the RCIA is such a rich process, it also includes people already baptized in other Christian faiths who want to become Catholic. These adults are called "candidates for full communion."
(RCIA) Team Member
The RCIA Team Member is part of the formation team that journeys with RCIA candidates and catechumens. RCIA brings adults and young people into the Sacramental life of the Church. To be a member of the RCIA team, you will have received all your sacraments, and you are a faithful, joyful, practicing Catholic who is flexible, attentive, and open to learning. You’ll assist the Coordinator of Religious Education in delivering the RCIA program content (teachings, discussions, etc.) weekly from August through May. During this time you’ll share the encounter of Christ with the program’s candidates and catechumens as they journey through the Inquiry, Catechumenate, Purification, Initiation and Mystagogy phases.