Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

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What is the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults?

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a gradual process through which the community of the faithful, the Church, receives those who are seeking to become Christian or who are seeking full communion with the Catholic Church.

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Whom is the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults for?

It is for people who have not been baptized and/or come from a non-Christian background. It is also for people baptized in another Christian tradition who wish to come into full communion with the Catholic Church. 

 

How long does it take to complete the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults?

Because the rite is a spiritual journey, the time it takes varies for each adult. 

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What are the four periods of initiation?

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The first Period is Inquiry.

This is a very casual period. During this time, there is no set agenda or topic for discussion. Discussions are driven by the questions and topics of those seeking more information about the faith. 

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The second Period is the Catechumenate.

This period is marked by much more formal discussions. 

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The third period is  Period of Purification and Enlightenment.

This period begins during Lent and enters the final stage before the Easter Vigil at which the Church fully accepts those seeking full communion. This period is marked by a focus on inner reflection and preparation for the Sacraments of Initiation.   

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The fourth period is Mystagogy.

At this point, all those who participated in the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil are now fully and sacramentally members of the Catholic Church. The Mystagogy period typically involves meeting which might cover a number of different topics to help enrich the faith of newly confirmed Catholics.

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