RCIA
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
The RCIA, like the practice of an ancient tradition of Church, prepares and welcomes those who choose to be members of the faith community for the first time or once again.
RCIA involves:
- Questioning
- Searching
- Sharing
- Learning
- Celebrating which begins here at
St. Dismas each fall
There are Five Stages which correlate with the Liturgical year:
| Precatechumenate | A welcoming time when candidates can share their stories and make preliminary inquiries into the Church. |
| Catechumenate | A time for complete instruction in the Catholic Faith. Candidates commit themselves to follow Christ and to join the faith community. |
| Enlightenment | The Lenten period: a time for deeper reflection on the Gospels and preparation for the Sacraments of Initiation. |
| Sacraments of Initiation | Easter Vigil/Holy Saturday: Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation bring the candidates into full union with Christ and His Church, and enable them to carry out the mission of the Church in the world. |
| Post-Baptismal Period | Time for ongoing spiritual enrichment, reflection, and living the Christian life. |
