Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

 Prior to beginning the RCIA process, an individual comes to some knowledge of Jesus Christ, considers his or her relationship with Jesus Christ and is usually attracted in some way to the Catholic Church. Often, contact with people of faith and a personal faith experience lead people to inquire about the Catholic Church. After a conversation with a priest or RCIA director, the person, known as an "inquirer," may seek acceptance into the Order of Catechumens. 

 The inquirer is accepted into the Order of Catechumens through the Rite of Acceptance. During this Rite, the inquirer stands amidst the parish community and states that he or she wants to become a baptized member of the Catholic Church. The parish assembly affirms this desire and the inquirer becomes a Catechumen.

During this time, the Catechumens consider what God is saying to them in the Scriptures, what changes in their life they need to make to respond to God's inspiration, and what Baptism in the Catholic Church means. When a Catechumen and the priest and the parish team working with him or her believes the person is ready to make a faith commitment to Jesus in the Catholic Church, the next step is the request for baptism and the celebration of the Rite of Election. Even before the Catechumens are baptized, they have a special relationship to the Church.

In the Diocese of Savannah, the Rite of Election is celebrated on the Saturday after Ash Wednesday and the First Sunday of Lent. Catechumens and Candidates should be accompanied by their sponsors, and are encouraged to invite all who have had a part in their formation to attend, particularly those on the RCIA team. Family members and other interested individuals in the parish should be encouraged to make a pilgrimage with them for the solemn occasion.

The Catechumens publicly express their desire for baptism to the diocesan bishop and their names are recorded in a Diocesan Book of the Elect.

The days of Lent are the final Period of Purification and Enlightenment leading up to the Easter Vigil. Lent is a period of preparation marked by prayer, study, and spiritual direction for the Elect, and prayers for them by the parish communities.

The Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation takes place during the Easter Vigil Liturgy on Holy Saturday when the Elect receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. Now the person is fully initiated into the Catholic Church.

 The newly–initiated Catholics continue their formation and education in the Period of the Post Baptismal Catechesis, which is also called Mystagogy. This period continues at least until Pentecost. During this period the newly baptized members reflect on their experiences at the Easter Vigil and continue to learn more about the Scriptures, the Sacraments, and the teachings of the Catholic Church. In addition they reflect on how they will serve Christ and help in the Church's mission and outreach activities.