Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) and Children (RCIC)
"The Church provides official catechetical norms and guidelines for the celebration of the sacraments. These are essential tools for sacramental catechesis. The Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA) sets forth the directives to be followed throughout the process of the initiation of adults and children of catechetical age into the life of the church." (National Directory of Catechesis, Page 114)
Each year on Holy Saturday during the Easter Vigil, thousands of are baptized into the Catholic Church in the United States. Parishes welcome these new Catholics through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).
For more information aout RCIA, please call the parish office at 719-633-5559. Classes begin in the fall of each year.
RCIA: The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
Divine Redeemer invites all people interested in learning about the Catholic faith or becoming Catholic to join us in the RCIA process. Inquiry meetings are in August with classes beginning in September.
The RCIA is the "Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults" and involves the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist. It is a process of conversion of the heart and mind. It takes place in four stages
Stage One: Inquiry - The first stage focuses on getting to know one another. We will share stories of persons and events in our faith life, and hear stories that answer some questions about Catholic life and practices.
Stage Two: Catechumenate - Those who feel called to a fuller life in the Catholic Faith are enrolled as a Catechumen and begin a deeper study of Catholic beliefs and practices.
Stage Three: Enlightenment & Purification - In the Lenten season we enter a period of more intense formation in Catholic spirituality in preparation for full initiation at the Easter Vigil.
Stage Four: Mystagogia - This final stage of the process will formally end at Pentecost. It is a time of deep reflection on the mysteries of our faith and what that faith means as we live it out as disciples of Jesus.
Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (RCIC)
Designed to meet the needs of those young people who were not baptized as infants, who have attained the use of reason and are of catechetical age. RCIC prepares the children for full initiation (reception of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist) at the Easter Vigil Celebration. Reception of the initiation sacraments takes place when there is sufficient readiness. Inquiry meetings are in August and classes begin in September.