For adults today, the Church, after the Second Vatican Council, has restored the order of the Catechumenate in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). Persons baptized into another Christian church and now seeking full communion with the Catholic Church are also welcomed to participate along with catechumens in the RCIA process of learning about the Catholic faith and being formed in that faith. For a baptized Christian, reception into full communion with the Catholic Church involves reception of the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation and then a Profession of Faith followed by the celebration of Confirmation and the Eucharist.
RCIA at St. Patrick Church meets at the 9:30 Mass on Sundays, October - May, followed by class in the Parish Office Building after dismissal after the Homily. Anyone interested in learning more about the RCIA process is asked to contact Eileen Dignazio, Director of Religious Education Office: (860) 676-0253 or email: Eileen@stpatsfarm.org .
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
Each year on Holy Saturday during the Easter Vigil, thousands of men and women are received into the Catholic Church in the United States. Parishes welcome these new members through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) and at a liturgy bringing men and women into full communion with the Catholic Church. Listed below are some questions and answers about the RCIA.
What are the Steps of RICA?
Prior to beginning the RCIA process, an individual comes to some knowledge of Jesus Christ, and is usually attracted in some way to the Catholic Church. This period is known as the Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate. After a conversation with a priest, or RCIA director,
the person, known as an “inquirer,” may seek acceptance into the Order of Catechumens, through the Rite of Acceptance. During this Rite, the inquirers stands amidst the parish community and states that they want to become members of the Catholic Church. The parish assembly affirms this desire and the inquirers become “catechumen,” if they are not baptize and
Baptized Christians become "candidates."
The Period of the Catechumenate can vary and depends on how the person is growing in faith, what questions they encounter along the way, and how God leads them on this journey. During this time, the catechumens consider what God is saying to them in the Scriptures, what changes in their life they need to make to respond to God’s inspiration, and what Baptism in the Catholic Church means. When a catechumen, the priest and the parish team working with him or her believe the person is ready to make a faith commitment to Jesus in the Catholic Church, the next step is the request for baptism and the celebration of the Rite of Election. Even before the catechumens are baptized, they have a special relationship to the Church.
The Rite of Election typically is celebrated at the Cathedral by the Archbishop of the Diocese. It includes the enrollment of names of all those seeking baptism at the coming Easter Vigil. Typically it is celebrated on the First Sunday of Lent. The catechumens, their sponsors and families gather at the Cathedral. The catechumens publicly express their desire for baptism to the diocesan bishop. Their names are recorded in a book and they are called “the Elect.”
The days of Lent are the final Period of Purification and Enlightenment leading up to the Easter Vigil. Lent is a period of preparation marked by prayer, study, and spiritual direction for the elect, and prayers for them by the parish communities. The Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation takes place during the Easter Vigil Liturgy on Holy Saturday, when the catechumens receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. Now the person is fully initiated into the Catholic Church.
After the person is initiated, formation and education continue in the period of the post baptismal catechesis, which is called “mystagogy.” This period continues at least until Pentecost. During this period the newly baptized members reflect on their experiences at the Easter Vigil and continue to learn more about the Scriptures, the Sacraments, and the Teachings of the Catholic Church. In addition, they reflect on how they will serve Christ and help in the Church’s mission and outreach activities.
What is meant when people refer to men and women “coming into full communion with the Church?”
Coming into Full Communion with the Catholic Church describes the process for entrance into the Catholic Church for men and women who are baptized Christians but not Roman Catholics.
These individuals make a Profession of Faith but are not baptized again. To prepare for this reception, the people, who are called “candidates,” usually participate in a formation program to help them understand and experience the teachings and practices of the Catholic Church. Some preparation may be with catechumens preparing for baptism, but the preparation for candidates is different since they have already been baptized and committed to Jesus Christ, and many have also been active members of other Christian communities.
Why was this ancient ritual restored? It was restored in the Church to highlight the fact that the newly baptized are received into a community of faith, which is challenged to realize that they too have become different because of this new life in the community.
What is the Role of a Godparent or Sponsor for an adult being baptized?
Godparents, also known as sponsors, accompany the candidates through the RCIA process.
They are called to show the candidates good example of the Christian life, sustain the candidates in moments of hesitancy and anxiety, bear witness, and guide the candidate’s progress in the baptismal life.
What does the white robe symbolize? The newly baptized are dressed in a white garment after baptism to symbolize that they are washed clean of sin and that they are called to continue to walk in this newness of life.
What does the candle symbolize? A small candle is lit from the Easter candle and given to the newly baptized as a reminder to them always to walk as children of the Light and to be the light of Christ to the world.
What does the Sacred Chrism symbolize? The Sacred Chrism, or oil, is a sign of the gift of the Holy Spirit being given to the newly baptized. It is also a sign of the close link between the mission of Jesus and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, who comes to the recipient with the Father in Baptism.
(2013 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops)
If you know of anyone who may be interested in learning more about the Roman Catholic Faith, please call or email Eileen Dignazio, Director of the RCIA of St. Patrick Church, Farmington.
Eileen@stpatsfarm.org (860) 676-0253.
Pastoral Team Leaders: Rev. Thomas Barry, Deacon Robert Barry.
RCIA Team Members: Eileen Dignazio, David Edwards