BECOMING CATHOLIC
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) process is for adults who are interested in becoming Catholic, or for adult Catholics who missed the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation, or any adult who wishes to learn more.
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The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults Adapted for Children (RCIC) is for children, ages 7-17, who wish to become Catholic, or who were baptized Catholic and missed sacraments and formation growing up. See the Religious Education page for more information.
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Not sure if the Catholic Church is the right place for you? Check out this video from the Augustine Institute.
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RCIA sessions are held on Tuesday nights at 7:00 PM in the Vaughan Center unless otherwise specified.
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Contact Sarah at 801-485-9324 or stambrosehbbc@gmail.com for more information regarding RCIA.
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RCIA is an ongoing process. The journey begins when you are ready.
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There are four "periods" of formation:
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Pre-catechumenate: Just Looking
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Also known as the inquiry period, you’re just finding out about Jesus, Christianity, and the Catholic Church.
Your main task here is to explore and develop your faith enough so you can make an informed initial decision about entering the Catholic Church. The final decision won’t come for a long time, when you actually enter the Church at Easter and receive the sacraments of initiation.
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Catechumenate: Learning about the Faith
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In the catechumenate, your faith has begun to develop. Now you need to learn and grow more.
You focus is on catechesis in this stage: learning about the faith, how to live as a Christian, and developing your interior life.
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Your job now is to come into closer contact with the Living God and learn more about the Catholic Faith.
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Purification and Preparation: Getting ready for rebirth!
This period of purification and enlightenment is the final stage before receiving the Easter sacraments of initiation into the Church: baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist. (Those already baptized with a valid baptism in another Christian church aren’t baptized again.)
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This stage of intense reflection calls you to deeper conversion in preparation for your renewal at Easter. This is what the season of Lent is for, but it has a special intensity for you this year as you’re entering the Church and receiving the sacraments of initiation.
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The Church uses three profound and beautiful passages from the Gospel of John to focus this preparation effort.
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Post-Baptismal Catechesis: Reflecting on the mysteries of the Mass
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Also known as Mystagogy, occurring after receiving the sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil, this stage of instruction during the Easter season is for continued reflection on the sacraments you have received, especially the Eucharist.
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Specific catechesis on the Mass, the Sacraments, and especially the Eucharist are the focus of this stage.
The Mass and the Eucharist are the “source and summit” of the Christian life in the Catholic Church, and this period is designed to help you understand, appreciate, and live more deeply this center of Catholicism.
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If you or someone you know is interested in becoming Catholic or finding out more about the Catholic faith, please contact Sarah Maland at 801-485-9324 or stambrosehbbc@gmail.com.