Religious Education Office
1120 Cuyamaca Avenue
Chula Vista, CA 91911
"A Journey in Faith
that takes as long as
it takes..."
For more information, contact:
Kathy Powers
Director of Adult Education
Tel: 619-420-9193 ext. 106
Fax: 619-420-9353
Email: kpowers@saintpiusx.org
The Rite of Christian Initiation is a process designed for different groups of people seeking to join the Catholic faith:
- Adults who have not been baptized.
- Adults baptized in another Christian faith.
- Adults baptized Catholic but have not received the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.
- Children not baptized as infants, who have attained the age of reason (7 years of age) and are of catechetical age.
The Catholic church warmly welcomes new members and tries to provide an appropriate spiritual formation according to each person’s need. Through the RCIA:
- The church encourages an ongoing conversion to Jesus Christ.
- It provides a structure for the proclamation of the gospel.
- The teachings of the church are passed on through Catechesis.
- Spiritual direction is provided.
- Observes the Sundays, feasts and seasons of the church year.
- Encourages direct contact with members of the parish community.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
It is a journey….it is your journey!! Each one’s journey is unique and the length depends on your readiness. The usual length of preparation is one to two years. The process take place in several states:
The first is the period of Inquiry
This is a time of evangelization, a time for questions. A time to get to know us and a time to reflect on your own life where you have been and where you want to go in your faith. After this period, you will celebrate with the entire community your decision to continue. The celebration is called the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens.
The second is the Period of Catechumens
During this period much of the catechesis (teaching) takes place. With the help of a sponsor, team and members of the parish, the Catechumen experience the church as a community of believers. Their initial conversion is deepened. A person may remain the Catechumenate from a few months to a number of years. At the conclusion of this period, the Rite of Election is celebrated.
The Rite is always celebrated on the first Sunday of Lent and is for those who will be celebrating full initiation at the Easter Vigil.
The third is the Period of Purification
Through the Rites of Scrutiny, the community helps them strengthens all that is good and remove all that is harmful or sinful in their lives. By prayer, reflecting together on the Lenten scriptures and by passing on to the Elect (as they are now known) the Church’s Creed and the Lord’s Prayer. Together the community and the Elect journey through Lent towards Easter.