RCIA Timeline

RCIA culminates in the reception of the sacraments at the Easter Vigil, but there is a process of preparation up to that great day, and there is also a period of contemplation after the sacraments.  There are differences between the preparation of those not yet baptized and already baptized, but by and large the whole initiation process has five main parts:

Inquiry - When those interested in coming into full communion with the Catholic Church ask questions about the Church, the Faith, and the RCIA process in order to decide whether to begin RCIA.  Inquiry happens all year round, but it picks up momentum late Summer and early Fall.  Of course, if you are interested in joining or coming into full communion with the Catholic Church, please feel free to contact Vincent any time.  The point of inquiry is to give the inquirer a chance to hear and come to believe in the Gospel.

Catechesis - When those in RCIA learn the fundamentals of the Catholic Faith.  Someone enters catechesis when they accept the Gospel and desire to enter fully into the Catholic Church’s life of Faith.  In our parish, the period of catechesis pretty much coincides with the Fall semester and the beginning of the Spring.

Purification and Enlightenment - When those preparing for full communion are spiritually readied for reception of the sacraments.  This period is focused not so much on learning the Faith as on living it.  Purification and Enlightenment corresponds to the liturgical season of Lent and is roughly simultaneous with the Spring semester.

Reception of the Sacraments - This usually happens at the Easter Vigil.

Mystagogia - This is a time of gratitude for the gifts received.  We enter a deeper reflection on the mysteries of the Faith.  Mystagogia corresponds to the Easter Season (late Spring, into Summer).