The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a conversion process designed for adults who consciously and freely seek the living God. The RCIA process is concerned with the making of Christians -- people who follow Jesus wholeheartedly. RCIA actually begins with us who call ourselves Catholic. As a Catholic community, we are challenged to let go of the familiar and comfortable ways of the past. We are called to experience transformation and conversion in our lives.

The RCIA process focuses on the spiritual formation of the person. It includes four periods of formation -- Period of Inquiry or Pre-Catechumenate; Period of Catechumenate; Period of Purification or Enlightenment; and finally a Period of Mystagogy.

Liturgical Rites mark the transition from one period to the next -- Rite of Acceptance; Rite of Election; and the beautiful Easter Vigil.

Participants are called Inquirers. The Inquirers focus on sorting out their beliefs about God, others, self, church and faith. This period is a time of asking, thinking, looking... It is also a time to share stories -- Scripture stories, stories of the Saints, and personal faith stories.

Through open dialogue, exposure to Scripture, and personal sharing, the Inquirers are introduced to the person of Jesus.

The Rite of Acceptance is celebrated at Sunday Mass with the Catholic Community. During the Rite, the Inquirers are claimed for Christ with the sign of the cross. They promise to follow the ways of Jesus and to engage in a serious period of formation. The Inquirers not yet baptized are now called Catechumens. Those who have been baptized will be Candidates for Full Communion.

The journey of faith continues in earnest; it is through the journey that the participants' conversion deepens as they discover the tremendous love and convincing power of God in their lives. Each Catachumen/Candidate chooses a sponsor to walk the faith journey with them. The Sponsor prays, listens, respects, welcomes and shares with the person who is searching. Most of all, the Sponsor becomes a caring friend.

During this period, most of the formal doctrine of the church is presented -- sacraments, morality, basic faith doctrines, liturgical seasons, spirituality, etc.

The Catechumens/Candidates have become familiar with the Catholic way of life. They have learned from the example and support of Sponsors and the Catholic community. They now turn more readily to God in prayer and, in all things, keep their hopes set on Christ. The Rite of Election is celebrated at the beginning of Lent. During this Rite the Catechumens/Candidates formally express for the first time their intention to join the church. Those participating in the Rite are now called the Elect.

This period runs concurrent with Lent. It is a time of penance and conversion leading to baptism or baptismal renewal at Easter. From Ash Wednesday to Holy Thursday, the Elect re-examine their lives and cleanse themselves of whatever may stand in the way of their living for the Kingdom of God.

Lenten RCIA classes continue to enlighten the Elect and uncover their search for truth. Fasting, works of charity, almsgiving, penitential acts and prayer are all encouraged. Scrutinies take place on the third, fourth and fifth Sunday of Lent; they provide additional opportunities for the Elect to search their lives in the light of the Gospel. The Rites of Presentation also take place during Lent. In these Rites, the Church passes on tot he Elect the ancient treasures of faith (The Creed) and prayer (The Our Father).

This is the most solemn and joyful of all Christian liturgies. The Church invites us to gather and relive the mystery of faith with its new members. On this night, for the first time, the Elect join with the Catholic community as full members of the Church in all aspects of prayer and worship. On this holiest of nights, they will celebrate with us the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.

Mystagogia is a time for the new members to adjust to their life within the Church and to deepen their understanding of the paschal mystery. For new members, this Easter time is crucial: to gather together during the Easter season to reflect on the meaning of the grace they have received and to ponder their new responsibility as fully initiated Catholics.