R.C.I.A.

Kerry Acker, Director of Religious Education and RCIA/OCIA
[email protected]
Parish Office:  (806) 358-2461, ext. 106

Why should anyone become Catholic? Check out Convinced--this video on Formed.org 

https://watch.formed.org/convinced-why-would-anyone-become-catholic

The Process of Christian Initiation is available for individuals who have expressed interest in learning more about the Christian faith.  This process is open to the following:

1. those who have been baptized Catholic but are un-catechized
2. those  who have been baptized in another denomination but interested in the Catholic faith
3. those who are unbaptized in any Christian faith

Step 1:  the Period of Inquiry.  This period is a no-commitment, informal time to gather with other  like-minded people and answer questions of all kinds about faith, Jesus as our Savior, the particular teachings of the Catholic Church and to explore one’s own faith life.  If and when inquirers are ready, they can move into the second stage. Inquirers who do not feel ready or do not feel called to continue the process may choose to leave the program.

At St. Thomas, an interested person can inquire at any time about the RCIA/OCIA process by calling the DRE.

Step 2:  the Period of the Catechumenate.  After the Inquiry Period comes the Catechumenate.  This period is intended for those who would like to join the Catholic Church.   Therefore, it is designed to help catechumens (those not yet baptized) and candidates (those baptized in any Christian church but who have not received other sacraments) grow in knowledge of the Catholic faith. This period, too, has a flexible length traditionally.  Again, those not ready to move forward or who feel called to another path have the option of leaving the program.

The Catechumenate goes from fall till the beginning of Lent.

Step 3:  the Period of Purification or Illumination.  This period occurs during a specific time frame—that of Lent.   Typically, on the first Sunday of Lent, catechumens, their sponsors, and their families gather at the cathedral and express their desire for Baptism to the bishop. This ceremony is called the Rite of Election, and catechumens henceforth are called the Elect.  Special prayers, called scrutinies, are offered on behalf of the Elect during the Sunday Lenten masses.

This period comes to an end at the Easter Vigil.

Step 4:  Celebrating the Sacraments of Initiation.   On the Saturday night before Easter, the Elect come into full communion with the Church aided by their sponsors and supported by their families.

Step 5: the Period of Mystagogy.  This period follows the new Church members’ (now called Neophytes) receiving of the sacraments of Initiation.  It lasts from Easter Sunday until the completion of the Easter season on Pentecost Sunday, a 50-day period.  During this time, Neophytes can reflect on their recent experience with each other and continue to grow in faith and community.  

More information can be obtained from the Religious Education office.