Periods in RCIA process

The four periods and the three rites in the RCIA process:

1. Period of Inquiry or Precatechumenate

   The first step of the RCIA process is an informal time, usually lasting 8 weeks or more, for inquirers to explore Catholicism and to ask questions. Members of the parish community offer a warm welcome and gradually introduce to them the story of Jesus. This stage ends when the inquirer begins a personal relationship with God and feels ready to respond by taking to heart the way of Christ.

2. Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens

   To celebrate the inquirers' acceptance of Christ as their Saviour, the parish community officially welcomes them at the Rite of Acceptance. At this ceremony, inquirers express their desire to accept the Gospel. The parish community reflects Christ's love and acceptance and adopts the inquirers, now catechumens, into their care and prayers. At this time, each catechumen chooses a sponsor to accompany them in their faith journey. A sponsor is someone who is ready to share with the catechumen personal joys and struggles in being a faithful Catholic Christian

3. Period of Catechumenate

   From Greek meaning 'to echo', this stage lasts about a year. During this time catechumens hear the word of God and allow it to resound in their lives, transforming their very attitudes and lifestyle. Under the guidance of priests and catechists the catechumens develop their faith by participating in the life of the Church: learning the teachings of Christ, taking part in the community's prayer, and getting involved in service to others; especially to the poor and the needy. Throughout this time, the parish community keeps catechumens in their prayers and shows by their own example how to be messengers of God's love to each other and to the world.

4. Rite of Election or Enrolment of Names

   At the Rite of Election, catechumens who are ready to be members of the elect express their desire to make a lifelong commitment as a Roman Catholic disciples of Christ. God, working through his Church, 'elects' or chooses them to enter Church through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion. Prior to this, catechumens choose Godparents who take over the duty of sponsors to become permanent spiritual guides after initiation. This rite is usually celebrated as a diocese with the Bishop/ Archbishop presiding.

5. Period of Purification and Enlightenment

   Lasting forty days, this stage prepares the elect for the sacraments of initiation. Akin to a spiritual retreat, this time centers around intense reflection on God's love. Supported and encouraged by the parish community, the elect practice fasting and penance to become open to God's power to healing, allowing the light of Christ to enlighten their minds and hearts.

6. Sacraments of Initiation

   The Roman Catholic Church's official time for celebrating initiation is at the Easter Vigil. When the parish community gathers to commemorate the death and resurrection of Christ, the elect also experience 'death' and 'rising to new life' through the waters of Baptism. With the oil of Confirmation, they are anointed into the full sharing of Christ's mission and by receiving Holy Communion, they join the Church as members of Christ's mystical body. The newly initiated are called neophytes.

7. Period of Mystagogy or Post-Baptismal Catechesis

   Mystagogy or 'entering into the mystery' is the time for neophytes to join the Roman Catholic community to grow in appreciation of the mystery of God's love. After experiencing the profound power of the sacraments, neophytes gather regularly to reflect more deeply on what they celebrate and what God calls them to do as disciples of Jesus Christ. The neophytes begin their lifelong journey of continuous conversion as full members of the Roman Catholic family.