Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process by which people are incorporated into Christ and are formed into God's people, the church. The rite includes the celebration of the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and the Eucharist and all the rites belonging to the catechumenate.

The catechumenate is the time of the nurturing and growth of the person's faith and conversion to God. It includes celebrations of the word, prayers and blessings to assist the process.

The rite also includes a period of purification and enlightenment, usually coinciding with Lent, with time for reflection intensely centered on conversion and marked by the celebration of the scrutinizes and presentations.

The sacraments of baptism, confirmation and the Eucharist usually take place at the Easter Vigil, the high point of the Liturgical Year.

Initiation is followed by a period of mystagogy during which the newly initiated experience being fully a part of the Christian community by means of catechesis and by participation in the Sunday Eucharist.

The RCIA also includes rites for baptized but uncatechized adults, for Christians from other ecclesial communities who wish to come into full communion with the Catholic Church and for children of catechetical age.