Today an individual becomes a Roman Catholic by entering into the process of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). The RCIA originated in the earliest traditions of the Church and is a gradual process designed for adults or families who, after hearing the mystery of Christ proclaimed, consciously and freely seek the living God and enter the way of faith and conversion. By God's help they will be strengthened spiritually during their preparation and at the proper time will receive the sacraments of the Church. At St. Patrick's, when we talk about Adult or Family Initiation, we are referring to the RCIA.

The Rite of Christian Initiation is for you if:

(1) You have never been baptized and think you might want to be baptized as a Catholic.

(2) You have been baptized in some other Christian Church and think that you might want to join the Catholic Church.

(3) You have been baptized as a Catholic, but have not had any significant religious education and have not received Eucharist or Confirmation.

(4) You are searching for a religious expression of your spirituality and want help in discerning what you should do.

The full Initiation Process consists of four periods of awakening, growth and formation marked by the celebration of three major rites. The rites will be your affirmation to the community as well as yourself that you are ready to move on in your journey towards your initiation into our "Catholic Christian Community".

Inquiry: The first period allows the Inquirers a period of time to inquire about the faith. As evangelization continues, Inquirers are invited to share their stories, ask hard questions about the Church and Christianity, and reflect on the role of God in their lives. This is a time for Inquirers to decide whether they wish to continue with the process. It ends with the Rite of Acceptance where the Inquirers assemble publicly for the first time during Mass and declare their intentions to the Church.

Catechumenate: The catechumenate is an extended period during which the Catechumens (those who have not been baptized) or Candidates (baptized Christians who have not been confirmed as Roman Catholics) receive pastoral formation and guidance aimed at training them in Christian life. This is the time, in duration corresponding to the progress of the individual, for the nurturing and growth of the Catechumens' faith and conversion to God. Both groups attend the 8:30am Sunday Mass during the Liturgy of the Word, but are excluded from participating in the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. After the homily, the priest dismisses them with a blessing after which they move to Fenlon Hall to continue reflecting on the Scriptures that were just read. This study of the deeper meaning of the Word of God is called "breaking open the Word." The length of the catechumenate period varies according to each individuals need.

The catechumenate period ends when a Catechumen or Candidate has a strong conversion and understands what it means to be a Catholic Christian with faith in Jesus. On the first Sunday of Lent, Catechumens, (now called "the Elect"), travel to St. Simon and Jude Cathedral in Phoenix to celebrate the second major rite of the Initiation Process, the Rite of Election with other Catechumens from the diocese. Candidates receive the Call to Continuing Conversion Rite.

Purification and Enlightenments: The third period occurs during the Lenten Season. This is a time of intense spiritual preparation centered on conversion which lasts through Lent, and which prepares the participants for the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist. During the celebration of the Mass on the Third, Fourth and Fifth Sundays of Lent, the Church assembly celebrates the scrutinies with the Elect. This period ends with the Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation, the liturgical rite, usually integrated into the Easter Vigil, by which the Elect are initiated through Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist.

Mystagogy: For 50 days from Easter to Pentecost, the newly initiated (Neophytes) focus on developing a deeper understanding of Jesus' death and resurrection, reflect on the Paschal Mystery in their lives and their commitment to the lifestyle as a Catholic. Sessions are held weekly.

Sponsors: This faith journey is not undertaken alone; a sponsor and the entire St Patrick's Catholic Community accompany Candidates and Catechumens. Sponsors are chosen from our parish community to act as spiritual companions, providing personal support and sharing the experience of Christian life. In addition, all members of the Church join the Catechumens and Candidates in reflecting on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

When we meet: At St. Patrick's, Inquiry sessions meet every Sunday morning throughout the year. After this initial period, candidates and catechumens meet only on Sunday mornings beginning with the 8:30 p.m. Mass and continuing until 11:00 a.m. Families seeking to enter into the Catholic faith, or who have never been baptized, begin their sessions with monthly meetings during the summer months and weekly sessions begin in September on Tuesday evenings.
Even though our adults meet on a different evening than do the families, we bring the two groups together for a potluck supper, the Rites, and the Mystagogy experience.

Many parishioners work on the Initiation team as catechists, sponsors and leaders in a variety of roles throughout the year. Team members and sponsors often comment that their faith becomes much stronger and their relationship with Jesus Christ deeper through this very special process of the Rite of Christian Initiation. Volunteers are always needed and welcome.

If comments or questions are arising for you or someone you know such as:

"I've been coming to St. Patrick's with my Catholic spouse for years. Maybe I'd like to become a Catholic."

"Something about the Catholic Church attracts me."

"Are you yearning for something more in your life?"

"I would like to be a sponsor."

"How can I get more information?"