RCIA - Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults

We are delighted that you are investigating the possibility of entering into the Catholic faith tradition and becoming a member of our parish community.  You are already an essential part of our parish life.

Since 1972, the RCIA has been the official process of welcoming adults into the Catholic faith.  It is modeled after the process used in the early church for the initiation of its members.  Through the RCIA, individuals who have never been baptized, along with those who have previously been baptized in another denomination, are received into full communion with the Catholic Church. 

The RCIA process is also a means by which those who have lost touch with the Church can renew their active participation in the faith community. Baptisms are considered valid by the Catholic Church and are not repeated.  Those who have not yet been confirmed in the Catholic Church will receive the sacrament of Confirmation as the sign of full membership.

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults has a number of stages to help interested persons move along to becoming informed and active members of the Catholic Christian community:

INQUIRY
The first stage of the formal initiation process allows you, the inquirer, to get to know the parish community-and, for the Church community to get to know you, as well.  When both parties are satisfied that there is a desire to continue with the initiation process, you are accepted into the Order of Catechumens with the Rite of Welcoming.

CATECHUMENATE
As a catechumen, you are accompanied by a sponsor (or sponsors), as you study the Catholic faith.  Together, you and your sponsor(s) participate in several rites that draw you more deeply into the faith and the community.  Therefore, it is imperative that your sponsor(s) be baptized in the Catholic faith, committed to the expression of his or her faith, and capable of serving as a mentor for you, the catechumen.  Sponsors model and support your spiritual journey both before and after Baptism.  The Catechumenate concludes with the Rite of Election.

ENLIGHTENMENT
The period of Enlightenment coincides with the season of Lent and concludes on Holy Saturday, which is the Saturday immediately preceding Easter Sunday.   It is a time of intensive preparation with its own particular rites.  These rites consist of questions asked of you and the other members of the elect, and include your profession of faith.

This stage ends with the Easter Vigil liturgy, when the elect who have already been baptized will be confirmed, while the elect who have never been baptized will receive both Baptism and Confirmation. Your sacramental initiation into the church culminates in the reception of the Eucharist for the first time during this liturgy.

MYSTAGOGIA
Mystagogy is the final period of the RCIA process that formally takes place during the 50 days between Easter and Pentecost-but, in reality, it is one that continues throughout our lifetime.  As a new member of the adult faith community, you will be immersed more deeply into the mysteries of our faith and introduced to the many ways to actively live out your faith commitment.  Mystagogy is an invitation into God's self-revelation as viewed through the lens of your everyday lived experience.

WHEN DOES THE RCIA PROCESS BEGIN?
The RCIA process begins in late September or early October each year.

WHO IS INVOLVED IN THE RCIA PROCESS?
A team of parishioners, along with the parish priests and staff, meet with those interested in finding out more about the Catholic faith and their sponsors. 

WHEN DOES THE RCIA GROUP MEET?
The group meets on most Monday evenings from 7:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m., beginning in late September or early October, until May or early June of the following year.  Your commitment to attendance at the majority of scheduled sessions is strongly encouraged.  Some Sundays are also involved.  A detailed schedule is published yearly.

In addition to attending the Monday night sessions, you will be asked to attend a parish activity or planning meeting in order to become acquainted with our parish as soon as possible.  Your sponsor will help you to arrange this and will attend the meeting with you.  It is suggested that you experience a parish activity or planning meeting about every three months.

HOW DO I START THE RCIA PROCESS?
Call the rectory at 708-352-0168 or email Maureen Pipal, Pastor's Secretary, at mpipal@sfx-lg.org.  Basic information will be requested at that time and your initial contact will be followed up by a phone call from St. Francis Xavier Pastor, Fr. John Hoffman.

It is our desire to answer your questions and to accompany you on this exciting faith journey.  We look forward to hearing from you!