One of the most misunderstood elements of the catechumenate process is the ritual dismissal of the catechumens from the Mass after the homily. Many catechumenate team members resist dismissing the catechumens because, to the team, it seems inhospitable. In other parishes, there is a tendency to go overboard, dismissing everyone including baptized candidates and even the Catholic sponsors. At the root of this confusion is a lack of clarity about the importance of the ritual dismissal and its purpose. The dismissal of the catechumens is important for this reason. It ritually expresses the identity of the catechumens and their role in both the celebration of the liturgy and in the body of Christ.
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Interested in Becoming Catholic?
To start your journey, the first step is to contact your local parish to meet the RCIA coordinator and the parish priest in order to initiate the RCIA process or help you in answering any questions you may have. To search for parishes local to your area click here.
WHAT IS RCIA?
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WHO CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE RCIA PROCESS?
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WHAT IS THE RCIA JOURNEY?
Pre-Catechumenate
- This is the earliest phase in the process; it is also known as the Period of Inquiry. Catechumens and Candidates acknowledge that Christ is calling them into the Church through the movement of the Holy Spirit. This is a time for seeking and reflection.
- The first Rite in the RCIA process, the Rite of Acceptance accepts new members into the worshipping community.
- The longest part of the process, the Catechumenate is a time of learning and formation in the traditions and doctrine of the Catholic Church. This is a time for sharing stories, reading scripture, and studying the Church customs, traditions and doctrine. Participants also participate in worship services and various Church rituals.
- Catechumens and Candidates are chosen to be received by the bishop and the community and to receive the Sacraments of Initiation at Easter.
- At the Easter Vigil (Holy Saturday), all newly elected members of the community who have been journeying through the RCIA process are welcomed formally into the community of believers through receiving the Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.
- This is a time of reflection and celebration after the formal reception into the Catholic Church. Mystagogia means “leading into the mystery” and it is a time to explore the deep mystery of our faith and go forth to help build the reign of God on Earth as new members of the faithful.
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RCIA & Marital Status Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Houston, Tx |
Questions regarding the annulment process, contact the Tribunal Office |
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Parish Resources
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TeamRCIA A free online resource, TeamRCIA provides a variety or materials for RCIA pastoral leaders and training materials for church ministers and volunteers including webinars, downloads, events, e-mails and discussion forums. Questions & Answers about RCIA A variety of frequently asked questions and answers on all areas of the RCIA process provided by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. |
CATECHUMENEON A collection of training and print resources focused on Christian Initiation and designed to assist parishees with understanding and implementing the vision of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. Association of Catechetical Ministry ACM fosters the full implementation of the Order of Christian Initiation by providing communication, resources, and education networks for diocesan and parish personnel working with the catechumenate. |
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RCIA Policies & Programs
RCIA Materials for Parishes
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