The RCIA – The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

RCIA - A Journey of Faith

There are times in our lives when we are tapped on the shoulder by God to do something. Oh, it may not be a literal tap on the shoulder, it may be an invitation by a spouse or someone’s loving example, a phone call, a conversation with a friend or knowledge gained in a class that challenges us to learn more. These are all a calls to begin or continue our journey of faith.

The RCIA, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, is a spiritual journey of faith for those who wish to become Catholic. This rite is for those who have not been baptized as infants and is adapted for those who were baptized as infants and who come to us from other Christian traditions. The RCIA is more than a simple process of pouring the water and saying the words of baptism. It is a time of inquiry, discovering what God is calling the individual to. This process is a time of learning what the Catholic Church is all about and a time of preparation for the Easter sacraments of Initiation, Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. But most of all, the RCIA is a time of spiritual growth.

As a Rite in the Church, this faith journey is marked with liturgical celebrations. We begin with the Rite of Acceptance, welcoming the inquirers and signing them with the sign of Christ. The Rite of Sending sends them to the Cathedral to be introduced to the Archbishop or Bishop and to celebrate the Rite of Election. At the Easter Vigil, the elect and candidates receive the sacraments of Christian Initiation.

As members of the faith community of Lumen Christi, you are the tools that God uses to open the hearts of those you meet. Through us others learn what it means to live a Christian life. We are the voice, hands, feet and arms of Jesus Christ in our world. Through our baptism we are called to help, welcome, support, pray and walk with those who search for Christ.

If you know anyone who has not been baptized or is searching for a faith community, invite them to come and learn more about this journey of faith.

Please contact the Associate Director for Adult Formation, Terri Schiller, at 262-512-8985 or schillert@lumenchristiparish.org with questions or for more information.

2RCIA-A Journey of Faith