Period of Evangelization

In reality, the RCIA begins when a person calls the Parish Office and says something like, “I want to be baptized” or, “I’d like to know more about the Catholic Church.” When one puts words to that desire, they have entered the first stage of initiation, the Period of Evangelization, also known as the Inquiry Period.

Period of the Catechumenate - Faith Formation

Once the inquirers have experienced an initial conversion to Jesus Christ, they celebrate the first major public ritual of the initiation process. This first ritual is the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens. The second stage, Period of the Catechumenate, is the extended period when those to be initiated receive their more formal training in the Christian way of life. During the Catechumenate, all learn more about the Scriptures; the doctrines of the Church; the practice and purpose of prayer and the worship life of the Church; and how to live and serve others in apostolic witness.

Period of Purification & Enlightenment

This final period of preparation is one of intense spiritual recollection that coincides with the season of Lent. It is a time for reflection and prayer more than teaching. The Catechumens, now called The Elect, purify their minds and hearts by celebrating several rituals that lead to Holy Saturday and the Sacraments of Initiation.

Period of Mystagogy

The newly initiated are now called neophytes gather to deepen their grasp of the great Paschal Mystery into which they have just been incorporated. The Church uses the period of Mystagogy to help the neophytes understand and live out their new lives as part of the Body of Christ. Furthermore, Mystagogy is about mission. The new Christians must now go forth to continue the mission of Christ.

Discernment

Interviews are asked of those inquiring about the Catholic Church at least twice during the year; additional interviews may be called for by candidates or requested by the RCIA Coordinator. These discernment interviews are opportunities for the candidate to enhance their experience and receive any assistance needed with difficulties they may be experiencing, or in answering lingering questions.