RCIA – the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults – is a process designed to enable a person become a full participating member of the Catholic Church.  Here at Duquesne University , this journey begins in September and concludes on the second Sunday after Easter. The RCIA process is much more then a program of “convert instruction.”  Rather the RCIA is a process of conversion for the individual and the faith community. We believe that Christians are made not born.  This means that there is nothing ‘automatic' or ‘instantaneous' in the Christian initiation of adults.  Conversion is an ongoing process that takes time. Committing oneself to gospel values and perspectives on every level of life requires a change of heart that cannot be accomplished by an educational program alone.  While doctrinal instruction is a part of the process, the initiation of adults aims at changing the heart and transforming the spirit, not just supplying a bank of knowledge.  The following brief descriptions of the stages of RCIA serve to help us remember where we have come from and to anticipate where we are going. Contact Pastor Peter Osuji, osujip@duq.edu or Linda Donovan at x1628 or donovanl@duq.edu.

1)       Period of Inquiry:  A time of introduction or re-introduction to the gospel of Jesus Christ and of reflection on one's own life in the light of the values of the reign of God.  There is also time set aside for questions and exploration.

2)       Acceptance in the Order of Catechumens:  Those who profess their faith in Jesus Christ and sincerely desire to enter the church celebrate with the community by publicly accepting the way of Jesus.

3)       Period of the Catechumenate:  The catechumens celebrate the liturgy each Sunday, receive anointings, participate in prayers, and take part in the mission of the church to the world.  During these months the catechumens discover the love and power of God in their lives and in the church.

4)       Election or Enrollment of Names:  The liturgical rite, usually celebrated on the first Sunday of Lent in the cathedral of the diocese, in which the bishop formally acknowledges the readiness of the catechumens and calls them to the sacraments of initiation.

5)       Period of Purification and Enlightenment:  Usually during Lent, preceding the celebration of initiation, this is a time of intense immediate preparation, centered on the word of God and highlighted by the handing on of the Creed, the Lord's Prayer, and the celebration of the scrutinizes.

6)       Sacraments of Initiation:  The catechumens, now the elect, celebrate initiation in the sacraments of the baptism, confirmation and Eucharist.  The waters of baptism give birth to the new person in Christ.  Anointing with sacred chrism seals and strengthens the newly baptized Christian and those who hade not previously completed their initiation.

7)       Period of Mystagogy:  Mystagogy is the 50-day Easter-time following the celebration of Christian initiation.  New members participate fully in the eucharistic life and in the mission of the church for justice and peace. This period reminds everyone that growth in faith is ongoing and lifelong.

Any person seeking Baptism in the Catholic Church, baptized members of other Christian denominations wishing to join the Catholic Church, baptized  Catholics desiring first Eucharist and/or Confirmation or Catholics wishing to know more about their faith are invited to participate in the RCIA process.  For more information please contact Peter Osuji at x 4757 or Linda Donovan at x1628.

- taken in part from Catholic Update, 1986 St. Anthony Messenger Press