BECOMING CATHOLIC
Are you attracted to the Catholic way of life and interested in finding out how to join the Catholic Church?
The process for becoming Catholic is called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA.) RCIA welcomes inquirers and provides information and spiritual guidance for those who are preparing to be initiated into the Catholic Church. RCIA is a year-round process (newcomers are welcome to join at any time) and is open to adults who have already been baptized in other faith communities as well as those who have little or no religious background.
RCIA also includes those adults who were baptized in the Catholic Church but did not receive the Sacrament of First Communion.
We meet on Thursday evenings at 7:00pm to study and discuss scripture, sacraments, the history and traditions of the Catholic Church, our forms of prayer, devotion and worship, and our understanding of ethics and social justice. We conclude at 8:30pm.
Inquiry into Catholicism
Adults who are interested in becoming Catholic or who wish to find out more about the Catholic faith are invited to contact the parish office, (650) 948-2158.
RCIA – Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults EXPLAINED
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process for individuals to become Catholic. The introduction to the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults says, “The rite of Christian initiation presented here is designed for adults who, after hearing the mystery of Christ proclaimed, consciously and freely seek the living God and enter the way of faith and conversion as the Holy Spirit opens their hearts. By God’s help they will be strengthened spiritually during their preparation and at the proper time will receive the sacraments fruitfully.”
RCIA consists of four stages that occur over a period of time. These stages allow for catechesis, an experience of the parish community and a growing commitment and deeper understanding of the Catholic way of life. Through all of this the center and focus is the fostering of a deep, meaningful relationship with Christ.
1. Period of Pre-Catechumenate or Inquiry phase
This is a period of inquiry and introduction, of searching and asking questions. During this period the individual is known as an Inquirer.
2. Period of the Catechumenate
It is during this period that individuals, now known as Catechumens, will learn more about the Catholic faith. The Catechumens faith and relationship with God will be nurtured through prayer and Sacred Scripture.
The transitional Rite to move to the next phase is the Rite of Election.
3. Period of Purification and Enlightenment
This period usually coincides with the Lenten season, preceding baptism and initiation at the Easter Vigil. It is a time of reflection, centered on conversion and marked by the celebration of the Scrutinies which “take seriously the profound love of God and the desire of God to bring all people to full freedom and salvation.” (The RCIA Process, Transforming the Church; Thomas Mooris)
4. Period of Mystagogy
This is a time for reflecting on the mysteries, to savor the mysteries experienced leading up to and at the Easter Vigil. “Mystagogy is the process wherein we ponder the saving experience of the Holy – in this case through the celebration of the initiation sacraments – in order to understand better who we are and whose we are. No one can truly be touched by the presence of the Holy and not be changed in some ways.” (The RCIA Process, Transforming the Church)
