From the Catechism
From the time of the apostles, becoming a Christian has been accomplished by a journey and initiation in several stages. This journey can be covered rapidly or slowly, but certain essential elements will always have to be present: proclamation of the Word, acceptance of the Gospel entailing conversion, profession of faith, Baptism itself, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and admission to Eucharistic communion.
This initiation has varied greatly through the centuries according to circumstances. In the first centuries of the Church, Christian initiation saw considerable development. A long period of catechumenate included a series of preparatory rites, which were liturgical landmarks along the path of catechumenal preparation and culminated in the celebration of the sacraments of Christian initiation.
The second Vatican Council restored for the Latin Church "the catechumenate for adults, comprising several distinct steps." The rites for these stages are to be found in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). The Council also gives permission that: "In mission countries, in addition to what is furnished by the Christian tradition, those elements of initiation rites may be admitted which are already in use among some peoples insofar as they can be adapted to the Christian ritual."
Today in all the rites, Latin and Eastern, the Christian initiation of adults begins with their entry into the catechumenate and reaches its culmination in a single celebration of the three sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist. In the Eastern rites the Christian initiation of infants also begins with Baptism followed immediately by Confirmation and the Eucharist, while in the Roman rite it is followed by years of catechesis before being completed later by Confirmation and the Eucharist, the summit of their Christian initiation.
(CCC 1229-30, 1232-33)
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.)
As we reach adulthood, many things change including our faith which often deepens with our experience of life. Listening to their hearts, many people begin to hear God speak t
o them and encourage them to draw closer to the Catholic Church. St. Anne's, as well as most Catholic Churches, has created a uniform process that mimics the early Church's process of evangelization and discernment for converts. This process was reinvigorated by the Church's reflections in the 1960's at the Second Vatican Council. While intended for those who have either never been baptized or belonged to any faith tradition, many people from other Christian traditions are also welcome to join in this process. Initially, people come as inquirers and journey through several rites (steps) as they draw in closer communion with the Church and God. We call this the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults or R.C.I.A.
The R.C.I.A. is a series of classes as much as it is a process of ongoing conversion towards God. The different periods of discernment typically follow the following:
Period of Inquiry, Evangelization, and Precatechumenate
Period of the Catechumenate
Period of Purification and Enlightenment
Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation & Reception into Full Communion at the Easter Vigil
Period of Post-Baptismal Catechesis or Mystagogy
It is not uncommon for people to ask why it takes so long to become Catholic. We have found that the lon
ger one engages in reflection, prayer, and discernment about anything, the better choices one will make. Therefore the Church believes that it is a good thing to take one's own time and, if possible, walk through an entire liturgical season if possible. Wikipedia does a good job of filling out these steps in some detail. Inquirers are always welcome to ask questions and clarify the process.
This explanation and examination of Catholic beliefs and practices is for adults who wish to find out about our Catholic Faith. The program begins in May and meets weekly from September until after Easter. Although those who participate are not pressured to become Catholic, many do. Those not baptized, receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Holy Eucharist and Confirmation. Some are baptized, and those who are already baptized in another Christian denomination make a Profession of Faith. Registration is in the May through fall at the Parish Center Office.
Meetings for our 2011 Class (reception of the Sacraments at Easter of 2011) will begin June 19, 2010 in Room 1 of the Parish Center. For questions and further details about preparation classes, contact the Religious Education Office: 541-479-4848 or 541-479-4866 or email Terry Knouff, the Coordinator of Faith Formation. See the Contacts link for her e-mail address.