The RCIA Process - A breakdown of the periods and steps toward initiation
First Period: The Period of Inquiry or Pre-Catechumenate
This initial period is characterized by a "come and see" attitude. Those inquiring into the Roman Catholic faith come together in a group and through weekly meetings learn the outlines of the Catholic faith. It is a time to ask questions about the faith and what our faith means in terms of daily living.
Here at St. John Nepomuk we offer at least two five or six-week Inquiry sessions per year and some sessions in the summer.
Contact Ann Cook in the parish office to learn more.
Inquirers who are interested in continuing will join the regular RCIA sessions, which meet every Wednesday from 7-9pm beginning in August.
Please see the document "Inquiry FAQ" on the right side of this page in the Inquiry Documents section to learn more about Inquiry at St. John Nepomuk.
Step One: The Rite of Welcoming/Acceptance (fall) -- This is a time when you take the first formal step toward becoming a Catholic. The Church welcomes you as one on the journey toward full membership in the Church.
Second Period: The Period of the Catechumenate
This period is characterized by a deeper look at the faith professed by the Catholic Church. The Wednesday meetings present the different aspects of the Catholic faith in a deeper manner. This period runs from the Rite of Acceptance to the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday.
Step Two: The Rite of Election (1st Sunday of Lent) -- This is a step whereby those in the RCIA program are called the Elect, or "Chosen by God." It marks a decisive point on the journey, where an individual has decided that he or she wants to become a Catholic.
Third Period: The Period of Purification and Enlightenment
This period continues what has gone on in the Catechumenate, with an emphasis on personal conversion and the development of a personal relationship with God. During this period the Church prays for the Elect in a special way. Our RCIA sessions will take a form similar to a retreat, with a focus on the Gospel readings for each week.
Step Three: The Sacraments of Initiation -- The Sacraments of Initiation are normally celebrated at the Easter Vigil. At the Mass late on Saturday evening, those who were previously baptized make a profession of faith and receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. Those who are not already baptized receive all three sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. The Elect are now full members of the Catholic Church.
Fourth Period: The Period of Mystagogia
This period continues for about seven weeks after Easter. It is a time when the newly initiated learn the practical aspects of belonging to a parish and some of the many ways that our faith can be lived out in service.
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