The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process by which adults prepare and receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist).

 

RCIA consists of four distinct periods  of  formation:

 

Period of Inquiry – This is a  period, of no fixed duration or structure, for inquiry and introduction to gospel values, an opportunity for the beginnings of faith.

 

Period of  the Catechumante -  The  first period of the Catechumenal process is evangelization, which seeks to introduce candidates to Christ, by: a)  “faithfully and constantly”  proclaiming the “living God and Jesus Christ whom he has sent for the  salvation of all” (RCIA 36), b) “a suitable explanation of the Gospel”  (RCIA 38), c) an opportunity for the beginnings of faith (RCIA 37).

 

Period of Purification & Enlightenment - The second period of the Catechumenal Process in which, after the Rite of Acceptance, catechumens enter into "an extended  period of time" and are "given a suitable pastoral formation and guidance", aimed at training them in the Christian life (RCIA 75).

 

Period of  Postbaptismal Catechesis/Mystagogia - The final period of the Catechumenal process which, the newly Baptized, "neophytes”, and the newly initiated grow “in deepening their grasp of the paschal mystery  and in making it part of their lives” through “meditation on the Gospel, sharing in the Eucharist, and doing   works of Charity” (RCIA 244). The immediate period of mystagogy is from Easter to Pentecost, however the National Statutes for implementation in the USA also recommend and extended mystagogy for one  year (RCIA 247, 251).