Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.)

The R.C.I.A. is a process of conversion to the Catholic Faith. The parish family of Saint Matthew welcomes all non-Catholics who feel called to study the traditions and teachings of our Faith with the hope of receiving two or all of the sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation) at the Holy Saturday Liturgy.

The process usually takes about ten months, beginning in the Fall and ending on the Feast of Pentecost. The stages in the Process of Conversion are:

Inquiry: Inquirers are invited to ask questions about the Catholic Faith:   its traditions, Sacraments and Scripture. At the conclusion of this period, inquirers celebrate a Welcoming Rite, asking to become catechumens or candidates and thus formally requesting membership in the Church.

Catechumenate: During this time catechumens and candidates grow in faith by developing an understanding of Church teachings, through instruction and prayer, both personal and with the faith community. They participate in the Liturgy of the Word each Sunday, learn about Catholic worship and share their faith with one another. This period concludes with the Rite of Election, which usually takes place at the Cathedral on the first Sunday of Lent.

Lent: This is a time for reflecting more deeply on our religious experience and our faith. Catechumens and candidates receive the Nicene Creed and the Our Father and are invited to pray them attentively. This period climaxes at the Easter Vigil with the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation.

Mystagogy: This final period of R.C.I.A centers on the full participation at Sunday Mass for all who were received into the Church on Holy Saturday. With the rest of the faith community, the newly-initiated focus on developing a deeper understanding of the Paschal mystery, praying and living the Gospel in their daily lives and participating in the evangelical ministry of the Church.