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Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
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The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process through which adults become fully initiated members of the Catholic Church. It usually takes about nine months or longer to complete the process.
The process is divided into four periods and a number of rites that mark the progress through the process. The four periods consist of the Period of Inquiry, the Period of the Catechumenate, the Period of Purification and Enlightenment, and the Period of Mystagogy.
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The Four Periods:
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The Period of Inquiry is a time for the “candidate” to ask questions and begin to learn about the Catholic Faith. At the end of this period, those who feel called to continue this journey go through the Rite of Acceptance. At this rite, the candidates express their desire to respond to God’s call. This Rite marks the beginning of the period of the catechumenate.
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The Period of the Catechumenate is a time for the “catechumens” to learn more about the Catholic faith and the sacraments of the Church. This period ends on the first Sunday of Lent.
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The Period of Purification and Enlightenment which lasts throughout the season of Lent starts with the Rites of Sending and Election on the First Sunday of Lent. This period is a time of reflection marked by the specific Rites celebrated on the Sundays of Lent and of preparation for the reception of the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Holy Eucharist, and Confirmation) at the Easter Vigil Liturgy.
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The Period of Post-Baptismal Catechesis or Mystagogy starts after receiving the sacraments and lasts until Pentecost Sunday – 50 days after Easter.
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The RCIA Process at St. Francis de Sales
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All are welcome!
The process begins in early September, although you can inquire at any time. There are 20 informative sessions held on Thursday evenings from 7:00 p.m. to – 8:45 p.m. in the Parish Office meeting room. If Thursday evenings are not possible due to work schedules or other factors, other arrangements can be made. During the Season of Lent, the group meets on Sunday morning. We attend the 11:00 Mass for the Liturgy of the Word and then are dismissed to discuss the scripture in a meeting room for about 30 minutes. After being received into the Church, from the Second Sunday of Easter through Pentecost Sunday, we meet from 10:00 – 11:00 to discuss the scripture for that Sunday and how it applies to our lives.
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