Become A Catholic

'Go and make disciples of all nations'. ... Jesus is calling you to be a disciple with a mission!
-Homily of His Holiness Pope Francis, Waterfront of Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, XXVIII World Youth Day, Sunday, 28 July 2013

Saint Richard Parish provides an ongoing process for those interested in finding out more about becoming a member of the Catholic Church, called RCIA: the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. This process is intended for those who were never baptized, as well as adults who were once validly baptized in another Christian denomination and now wish to become Roman Catholics. It also is intended for those who were baptized as children, but have yet to receive First Eucharist or Confirmation as adults. If you yourself, or a relative, a close friend or neighbor has expressed an interest in the Catholic Church, please let them know that they can contact Victoria Woodley at 978-774-7575 for more information. We welcome inquirers at any time of the year.

This process includes several stages marked by prayer, study, and discussion.  Included in the process are several Rites, which take place within the context of the Mass.  The RCIA process follows the ancient practice of the Church and was restored by the Second Vatican Council as the normal way adults prepare for baptism."

The RCIA is structured over a series of ceremonial steps and periods of learning, and the timing of these may vary for each individual. One may take as much time as he or she needs in the initiation process before becoming ready for full initiation through the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist.  Initiation within the Church is a journey of conversion that is gradual and ongoing and suited to individual needs. It is a process rather than an educational program and this process takes place within the community of the faithful, the local Church.

The RCIA process can be adapted to meet the specific needs of children and youth.

Who is welcome to begin the RCIA Journey?

All people who are open to discerning their personal experience of faith and to learning more about the Catholic Church are welcome to begin the RCIA process.  Many people come to an awareness of their desire to learn about membership in the Catholic Church in various and different ways.  Often it may be a personal faith experience, overcoming personal difficulty and tragedy, or a relationship or discussion with a person of faith which leads one to begin this exciting journey.  All that is truly required is a sincere desire to learn, to grow, and to develop one’s relationship with God.  

The RCIA process can be applied to the following 3 groups:

• Unbaptized: persons (age of discretion: 7+ years) who have never been baptized and who need a process to help them grow in awareness to God's call to conversion as well as ways to respond to that call.  They are considered catechumens.

• Baptized in Another Christian Church: Those who were baptized into another Christian denomination and wish to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church.  They are considered candidates. For baptized Christians interested in possibly joining the Catholic Church, the process will vary depending upon the depth on one's religious and spiritual readiness.

• Baptized but uncatechized Catholic Adults: persons who were baptized as infants and not given any religious instruction in the Catholic faith. These adults will be prepared to celebrate the sacraments of penance, confirmation and Eucharist. They are also considered candidates.

In the case of children who have reached the age of reason (age 7), the pastor of the local parish should be consulted for information about Baptism and the other Sacraments of Initiation. Adult Catholics who were baptized and received their First Eucharist in the Catholic Church and are interested in the Sacrament of Confirmation should contact their local parish office.  These are Catholics who have been instructed in the Catholic faith but who have not received the Sacrament of Confirmation.  A separate program of adult Confirmation is available to these Catholics, who are then prepared to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.

The Steps of the Journey

The Rite of Christian Initiation is based on the principle that the process of conversion proceeds gradually, in stages. Progress from one stage to the next is marked by a liturgical celebration in the midst of the parish community. The experience and needs of those in each category described above differ, and so the length of time may vary for each person. Yet there are certain similarities among all the groups and the process they will experience.  RCIA consists of four periods of formation which are marked by rituals that celebrate what has been completed and that call a person into the next phase.

Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate

The first stage is called the period of inquiry (or the precatechumenate). This is when the individual first expresses an interest in becoming a Catholic, and begins to explore, with the help of the parish community, what his or her relationship with Christ might be and how that relationship might be fulfilled and deepened by joining the Catholic Church.  There is no commitment necessary, and no expectations during this time. It is a time for building communion and for listening, learning, sharing, and asking questions.  It is a time of initial conversation and conversion.

First Step: Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens

Once the inquirer decides to continue the journey, he or she seeks acceptance into the Order of Catechumens.  This is a liturgical rite in which the inquirer states publicly in the midst of the parish community that he or she wants to become a baptized member of the Church.  The Church, through the local parish community, affirms this desire by accepting the person and his or her intention to follow God’s call.  Included in this rite are the renunciation of false worship, giving of a new name, and the presentation of a cross.  The candidate is now affirmed by the local community and strengthened to continue the journey.

For candidates who have already been baptized and are seeking full communion with the Catholic Church, this step is called the Rite of Welcoming the Candidate.

Period of the Catechumenate 

The second stage is called the catechumenate and is an extended period which normally lasts one year or longer. For the baptized but uncatechized (not yet educated in the faith), the period should be a similar length. “Candidates” for full communion may complete this stage in a shorter time frame. This is a time of formation and education, and learning is based on Sacred Scripture as well as the Catechism of the Catholic Church.  Catechumens learn about Catholic teachings and values, what it means to be a member of the Catholic community, prayer and worship, and are also introduced to the apostolic life.   This is also a time for the catechumen or candidate to learn how to live as a Catholic Christian through their faith journey and the support of their parish community.  Each individual learns what it means to be a Catholic and what changes they may need to make in their lives.  It is a time of deepening one’s faith, initial conversion, and commitment to the Church.  This period is marked by rites such as the dismissal rite, blessings, and anointing of catechumens.  This period ends when the catechumens and candidates express their desire to receive the sacraments of initiation and the parish community acknowledges their readiness. The catechumen, with the support of the parish team working with him or her, then becomes an “elect,” which is marked by the Rite of Election during the next stage.

Second Step: Rite of Election

The Rite of Election or Enrollment of Names coincides with the beginning of Lent and is celebrated by the Bishop at the cathedral church of the diocese.  The Rite includes the official enrollment of names of all those seeking baptism at the Easter Vigil.  At this Rite the catechumens publicly request baptism and declare their desire to make a faith commitment to Jesus in the Catholic Church.  Parishes normally celebrate the Rite of Sending prior to the Rite of Election.  Godparents and catechists testify to the readiness of the catechumens for the sacraments of initiation.

Period of Purification and Enlightenment 

The third stage is the period of purification and enlightenment.  It coincides with the liturgical season of Lent. It is a time of reflection, prayer, and spiritual direction rather than a time of catechetical instruction. This period is intended to enlighten the minds and hearts of the elect with a deeper personal knowledge of Christ.  During this time, the elect (formerly the catechumens) and the candidates enter into a period of intense spiritual preparation and prayer which includes the three public celebrations of the scrutinies (for catechumens) and is marked by the presentations of the Creed and the Lord's Prayer. The Rite of Election (for catechumens) and the Call to Continuing Conversion (for candidates) are celebrated at the beginning of this stage.  A Lenten retreat is offered during this period as final preparations are made for the celebration of the sacraments of initiation.  This period ends with the celebration of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. (Note: only the elect are baptized. All receive the sacrament of Confirmation and are welcomed at the Eucharistic table.  Once a person has received the sacraments of initiation he or she becomes a “neophyte,” which means “beginner” or “novice.”)

Third Step: Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation

At the Easter Vigil, the catechumen receives the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Holy Eucharist. Now the person is a fully initiated member of the Catholic Church and will continue to live out his or her response to God as a member of this faith community.

Period of Mystagogy

The fourth stage is the period of post baptismal catechesis or mystagogy. At this time, the newly initiated explore their experience of being fully initiated through participation with all the faithful at Sunday Eucharist and through appropriate catechesis. Emphasis is placed on the study of the Gospel, the reception of the Eucharist, and actively living a life of charity, service, and love.  The period formally lasts through the Easter season and may be marked by a parish celebration on or near Pentecost. During this time the deeper meaning of the sacraments, the Christian life and prayer is examined. It is a time of growth during which one’s understanding of the faith matures so that he or she can participate more fully in the Mass and in the life of the Church. On a different level, mystagogy is a lifelong process, one that all Christians are engaged in, as we all work to deepen our sense of what it means to live the Christian life.

The Pinnacle of the Journey 

The celebration of the Sacrament of Initiation at the Easter Vigil marks the highlight of each person’s spiritual journey, as one celebrates with family and church community full entrance into the Catholic Church.  The Liturgy begins with the Service of Light which includes the blessing of the new fire and the Paschal candle which symbolizes Jesus, the light of the World. The second part consists of the Liturgy of the Word with a number of Scripture readings. After the Liturgy of the Word, the candidates are presented to the members of the community, who pray for them and join in the Litany of the Saints. After the Litany and prayer for the elect, the presiding priest blesses the water placing the Easter or Paschal candle into the baptismal water. Those seeking baptism then renounce sin and profess their faith after which they are immersed into the baptismal water three times with the words, "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." In some situations the water may be poured over the head of each candidate.

After the baptism the newly baptized are dressed in white garments and are presented with a candle lighted from the Paschal Candle. The newly baptized are then confirmed by the priest or bishop who imposes his hands on their heads, and invokes the gift of the Holy Spirit. He then anoints them with the oil called Sacred Chrism.

The Mass continues in the usual fashion. At this point the newly baptized can participate in the general intercessions, in bringing their gifts to the altar, as well as sharing in the offering of Christ's sacrifice. At the Communion of the Mass, each of the newly baptized receives the Eucharist, Christ's body and blood, for the first time.

Beginning the Journey 

For many people interested in becoming Catholic or entering into full communion with the Catholic Church, the process can be somewhat confusing or intimidating.  After all, this is a major decision in one’s life.  The decision to join the Church is exciting and will lead to a deepening of personal faith and relationship to God, others, and self.  

No matter what has brought you here, the fact that you are interested in taking the next step shows your openness to God and God’s call in your life.  Many people have come through the RCIA program and are living lives of service, faith, and love.  Perhaps you are asking where to begin the journey.  The answer is that you have already begun!  Welcome to your faith journey!  

The next step may be to contact our RCIA coordinators, either Victoria Woodley or Ken Meltz, at 978-774-7575,  who would be happy to help you move ahead in your discernment process.