Recognizing their right and ability to take an active role in considering and preparing for this life-changing step, the Church provides a special process called The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.) for anyone, seven years old or older, who wishes to be baptized Catholic. The R.C.I.A. is also for anyone who was baptized Catholic but not raised in the faith and did not celebrate the sacraments of Confirmation or Eucharist/Communion, or for a person who was raised in a different faith and is considering becoming a Catholic.

The R.C.I.A. consists of gatherings over a number of months that provide an education and immersion experience in the Catholic faith. There are separate groups for adults and children.

The R.C.I.A. is divided into four stages and the stages are marked by rituals of blessing and commitment. The stages are intended to overlap and be open-ended, based on the needs of the participant:

• The Period of Inquiry (initial questions and reflection)
  • Rite of Welcome
• The Period of the Catechumen (from a Greek word meaning “teaching,” a period of instruction)
  • Rite of Election
• The Period of Enlightenment (a particularly reflective and spiritual time of preparation)
  • Lent
  • Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation (usually at the Easter Vigil)
• The Period of Mystagogy (from a Greek word meaning “mystery,” more instruction and reflection about involvement in the community)