St John Baptist de LaSalle
Catholic Church
St. John baptist de LaSalle Catholic Church
Understanding the RCIA Process
Many adults entering the Catholic Church, or those just thinking about it, follow a process known as the RCIA—the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. The RCIA process has several distinct stages. These Catholic RCIA stages are a good model of faith development itself.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
Inquiry
In the inquiry stage, you're just finding out about Jesus, Christianity, and the Catholic Church. Talk to people, walk around in our shoes for a bit and get a feel for the place. As an inquirer, you're not yet sure exactly what you think about the Catholic Church, so you're still keeping it at arm's length.
Rite of Acceptance
The Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens is a crucial threshold in the lives of those seeking to know God. It stands between the period of inquiry and the period of the catechumenate. For months, you will gather to ask questions about our faith and learn all about the church.
Rite of Election
This step takes place on the first Sunday of Lent. The catechumens formally sign the Book of the Elect declaring before the community, their family, and the bishop of their diocese that they are called by God to receive sacraments. They are now known as the elect.
The process of RCIA brings adults to the sacraments of Christian initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. This process is successfully used for persons who are unbaptized; for baptized Christians who have been members of another denomination and seek to be received into full communion with the Catholic Church; and for baptized Catholics who are uncatechized and need either Confirmation and/or Eucharist. The initial period of inquiry begins with an interview with the parish RCIA team and the pastor. The time is intended to be relaxed and informal, giving those interested in the process an opportunity to explore and question.
The Rite of Christian Initiation is based on the principle that the process of conversion proceeds gradually, in stages. Progress from one stage to the next is marked by a liturgical celebration in the midst of the parish community. For more information about the sacraments, please enjoy the video to your left.
For more information visit
Christian Initiation of Adults | USCCB
On behalf of everyone here at St John Baptist de LaSalle, we hope to see you and welcome you home!
Join us beginning Oct 9th in the basement. For information contact us and ask for Ann Stone.