CATHECISTS, RCIA The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adult – Is a process developed by the Catholic Church for prospective converts to Catholicism who are above the age of infant Baptism. Candidates are gradually introduced to aspects of catholic beliefs and practices. RCIA is an intense preparation program that takes the candidates through several stages. Start in about Augustus until Pentecost the year following.
1/ Period of enquiry: candidates are encouraged to ask about the Church faith. Also known as the pre catechumenate.
2/ Period of the Catechumenate: in this period Catechumens and candidates with help of catechist and sponsors, strive to deepen their faith for the Rite of Election
3/ Period of Purification and Enlightenment: this is usually during Lent a time of reflection in preparation for the celebration of full initiation at the Easter Vigil
4/ Post Baptismal Catechesis or Mystagogia: Period between Easter and Pentecost Introduction to the Christian way of living within the community.
This basic process applies to adults and older children, with young children going through an adapted version sometimes referred to as the Rite of Christian initiation of Children.
