We often think of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion) as moments we celebrate in the lives of our children.
However, anyone – at any stage in life – can be welcomed into the life of faith and the community of the Church through the Sacraments, and many adults do so. Perhaps, after a long time searching, perhaps after a significant event in life, or perhaps as a result of the example of a Catholic spouse, friend or family member, an adult might express a desire ot take that step into the Church. And that is where “RCIA” comes in:
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
RCIA involves a process of exploring aspects of faith (both as personal faith and as the faith of the Church), the person of Jesus, the life of the Christian, experiences of prayer and many other aspects of our life as Catholics. These are often explored in weekly or regular meetings with a group of catechists, parishioners and others, who help the enquirer discover what our faith is all about by sharing their own experience and understanding. However, it is also a “Rite”, meaning that it is a process marked by liturgical and prayerful moments, leading ultimately to the sharing of the Sacraments – in particular Baptism for those not previously baptised as Christians – at Easter each year.
The journey through RCIA might look something like this:
Enquiry Stage – A person begins exploring faith and reflecting on whether they feel ready to embark on this journey. This leads to the Rite of Acceptance, in which the person makes a commitment to preparing for the Sacraments and the parish makes its commitment to supporting and accompanying the person
Catechumenate – Having been accepted for preparation for Sacraments, the person begins more earnestly to learn about aspects of Church faith, prayer, liturgy and Church teaching. This period lasts as long as the person needs or wants, but as Easter approaches, a decision is made to move to the next stage which coincides with Lent, beginning with the Rite of Election at the Cathedral on the First Sunday of Lent.
Purification & Enlightenment – This is simply the name given to the experience of Lent, leading up to the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation at Easter. During this time, those preparing (who are now called the “Elect”) take on a period of fasting and prayer but with particular moments puntuating those weeks, such as the Scrutinies, on the middle Sundays of Lent, in which particular Gospel passages are given for reflection on aspects of Baptism and the life of faith. Also, they are often “given” in a symbolic, ritual way, the words of the Our Father and the Creed to pray over and ponder as they prepare for Easter. The whole parish joins them in this time of prayer, fasting and charity as we all prepare to renew our baptism at Easter.
Easter Vigil – This is the great night of the Church’s faith, in which new members are baptised, confirmed and receive Holy Commuion for the first time. The whole parish – indeed the whole Church – is made new by the profession of faith and new birth in the sacraments, and we all renew our baptismal promises as a sign of our own renewal too.
Mystagogy – This Greek word means “entering the Mysteries” (meaning the Sacraments), and coincides with the weeks of Eastertide. Rather than just letting the newly-baptised (now called “neophytes”) just ‘get on with it’, the parish continues to aaccompany its newest members as they find their feet in the Catholic faith, at Sunday Mass, in parish life, in becoming part of the worshipping family and in sharing in the sacraments as well. This period – during which the weekly meetings usually continue – will often end formally at Pentecost, although the mystaghogy journey is reall a life-long one as we walk, grow and deepen in our faith and our relationship with God every day of our lives!
In Christ the King, we have a dedicated team who support our enquirers, catechumens and candidates.
In 2025 and into 2026, we meet regularly on Monday evenings at 7.00pm in the Church House. Maybe you know someone (maybe yourself!) who might be interested in finding out more. Speak to Fr Tom if you are to find out more or just come along.
The invitation to come to Christ and join the family of the Church is for everyone!