RCIA

This is called the Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate. It is also known as the Period of Inquiry. During this period, teaching is given to people who are interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith. The sessions cover basic information about the Faith and fundamentally should communicate the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The church is offering here an invitation to initial conversion. There is no obligation involved in attending these meetings – they are intended to help a person decide whether they want to continue learning about the Faith. Attendees at this stage are known as Inquirers.

The First Step
The Inquirers who wish to continue now move onto the next stage, which is known as the Period of the Catechumenate. The Inquirers who are not already baptized are welcomed to this next stage via the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens. This is known as the First Step. As they enter this Rite the Inquirers are referred to as Candidates. As they leave this Rite they are now referred to as Catechumens.

Such rites may take place throughout the year, but most often take place during Advent and the month before it (October through December). By this time, potential Catechumens must have in mind someone who would be willing to “sponsor” them. The Sponsors are usually solid, practicing  Catholics that the Catechumens know.

The Sponsors are expected to support and assist the Catechumen through the various Steps and Rites that form part of the RCIA process, and provide individual instruction about matters of faith.

This is a very significant step, so much so that for Catechumens (who are unbaptized): ”One who dies during the Catechumenate receives a Christian burial.” (From the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)

This first rite that takes place at the beginning of the general Sunday Mass in front of the parish community.

The Inquirers who have already been validly baptized in another Christian denomination, or baptized Catholic but not confirmed as a child, are welcomed to this next stage via the Rite of Welcoming the Candidates. They enter this Rite known as Candidates, and they are known by this title from now on. The Rite of Acceptance often does not take place at the same time as the Cathecumen’s Rite of Acceptance.

However, a combined Rite does exist.  This is called: The (Combined) Celebration of the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens and the Rite of Welcoming Baptized but Previously Uncatechized Adults Who are Preparing for Confirmation and/or Eucharist or Reception into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church.