This is the earliest phase in the process; it is also known as the Period of Inquiry. Catechumens and Candidates acknowledge that Christ is calling them into the Church through the movement of the Holy Spirit. This is a time for seeking and reflection. Through a series of meetings with adults who have expressed an interest in the Catholic Church, we welcome open and informal discussions about Catholic faith values.  During this time, Inquirers meet with members of the RCIA Team.  The RCIA team listens to their stories and connects them with faith stories found in Scripture and in the tradition of the church.

The first Rite in the RCIA process, the Rite of Initiation accepts new members into the worshipping community.

When Inquirers decide to begin a more formal study of the Catholic Church, we welcome them publicly at a liturgical rite. The longest part of the process, the Catechumenate is a time of learning and formation in the traditions and doctrine of the Catholic Church. This is a time for sharing stories, reading scripture, and studying the Church customs, traditions and doctrine. Participants also participate in worship services and various Church rituals. As Catechumens, they begin a formal study of the church, prayed through Word, Community, Worship, and Service. If the Inquirers have already been baptized, they are considered Candidates and follow the same course of study. Study gatherings are scheduled weekly, they begin in August and continue until Easter. This time of preparation leads to the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist, which are celebrated at the Easter Vigil.

At the beginning of Lent, Catechumens and Candidates are invited to be presented to the larger church and the Bishop.  Catechumens and Candidates—now the Elect—from throughout the diocese begin a time of intense prayer.  Special prayers & rituals, such as the Scrutinies, are prayed on the middle three Sundays of Lent, at liturgies during Lent.

At the Easter Vigil (Holy Saturday), all newly elected members of the community who have been journeying through the RCIA process are welcomed formally into the community of believers through receiving the Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.

After the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation, the new members, now called Neophytes, enter into a period of mystagogy.  During this time, they uncover the depths and mystery of God’s presence.  The heart of this period of mystagogy is the Sunday Eucharist and the reflection that follows. This is a time of reflection and celebration after the formal reception into the Catholic Church. Mystagogia means “leading into the mystery” and it is a time to explore the deep mystery of our faith and go forth to help build the reign of God on Earth as new members of the faithful.