RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)

The RCIA (often referred to as the Catechumenate) is the process by which anyone who is not a Catholic may be instructed in the Catholic faith with a view to becoming a Catholic.

Those who have never been baptized are called catechumens, while those who have already been baptized in another Christian denomination are referred to as candidates. The process at Our Mother of Sorrows incorporates a program which is presented by the parish RCIA team, assisted by the parish staff, and lasts several months. The program constitutes a number of presentations on different aspects of the Catholic faith. These occur on a Sunday, beginning after the 9:30 am homily, and include an opportunity for prayer, reflection on the Sunday reading, discussion, and sharing. In Advent the catechumens and candidates are invited to consider in a Rite of Entry whether they wish to proceed in the process until Easter. Catechumens and candidates are offered the opportunity in Lent to declare whether they wish to be received into the Catholic Church. This takes place at a Rite of Election at the Cathedral in the presence of the Bishop.

Catechumens and candidates who have affirmed their desire to become Catholics at this Rite of Election continue in the process unitl the Vigil of Easter, when they are initiated into the Catholic Church and receive the sacrmanets of intitiation: baptism for catechumens, confirmation and eucharist. Candidates may be received into the Catholic Church sooner, if it is felt that they are ready. The process continues with Mystafogia after Easter, which gives the newly confirmed an opportunity to reflect on the significance and meaning of the process that they have completed and the impact that this has on their future lives.