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RCIA: Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (ages 18+)
RCIY: Rite of Christian Initiation for Youth (ages 12-17)
RCIC: Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (ages 7-11)

The Catechumenate begins June 2011.  The deadline to be a candidate for the 2012 Easter Vigil celebration for baptism and sacraments of initation is Sunday, August 14, 2011.

We invite families into a partnership with the parish by "involving the family in the sacramental preparation of individual family members, by providing in-family preparation resources, by educating family members to their responsibilities, and by developing family-sensitive and family-involving parish preparation programs" (Partnership In Faith, 1992).

Baptism, Confirmation and First Eucharist (First Communion) are the Sacraments of Initiation into the Christian Community. It is the responsibility of all in the community to prepare our children, youth, young adults and adults for full sacramental life as Catholic Christians. The Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe supports and assists parents whose children are ready to prepare for these sacraments through adult education, prayer and modeling Christian worship and service.

What is the Rite of Christian Initiation?

The Rite of Christian Initiation is not a program, but a journey of welcoming new members into the Church. As a journey, the Rite of Christian Initiation "suggests a fluid, gradual process of formation, the heart of which is the paschal mystery of Jesus Christ" (RCIA, 8). Central to the formation process is conversion. Although it is primarily designed for those seeking baptism, it is adapted for baptized Christians of other faith beliefs who seek membership within the Catholic Church. The journey is two-fold: a journey of the entire faith community whereby members of the Church actively welcome the newcomers who are guided by the Gospel, and the good example of the people of God; secondly, it is a personal journey, not only for those seeking entrance into the Church, but also for the members of the community who begin to reexamine their own relationship with God as a result of the joy and enthusiasm they witness in the Catechumen.

The formation process, which flows from the liturgical cycle, encompasses the four major dimensions of the church's life: word (both scripture and tradition), worship, mission and community (RCIA, 75).

The Cycles of the Journey

1. Period of Evangelization, or Pre-Catechumenate (Inquiry)
The stage where the Inquirer encounters Jesus the length of this period of the pre-catehumenate is not defined, but is respectful of the unique journey of each individual. The inquirer stays in the pre-catechumenate phase until he/she is evangelized and ready to publicly declare his/her intention to become a fully initiated member of the Catholic Church. This declaration is celebrated with a liturgical rite.

2. The Period of the Catechumenate
The period of catechumenate should extend for at least one year of formation, instruction and probation (National Statues, 6). This is the period of "making disciples."

3. Period of Purification and Enlightenment
Prepares the elect and the candidates for the sacraments of initiation: baptism, confirmation and eucharist at Easter Vigil. The Lenten time of spiritual preparation of the elect for the celebration of the penitential rites called scrutinizes.

4. Mystagogy
After the sacraments of initiation have been received, the newly baptized and newly received enter into the stage of mystagogy (means to uncover or lead into the mystery). This heart of this stage is the Sunday eucharist and the engagement of community.