The Rite of Christian Initiation is a process for non-baptized persons entering the Catholic Church. It is a spiritual journey towards the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation). The adult Catechumen will be evangelized and catechized for several months; for children, it is a two-year process.

The first year is dedicated to EVANGELIZATION/PRE-CATECHUMENATE, also called the Inquirer, where he/she will be evangelized, forming a special relationship with God. Building community and nourishing their faith not only with their classmates and catechists but also with the parish community.  

The second year is more focused on preparing for the Sacraments of Initiation. During this year, the now-called CATECHUMENATE will participate in different rites with his/her sponsor. These rites will occur in our parish except for the Rite of Election (date, time, and place will be given later). This year is also a study period of reflection on faith, learning and studying prayers.

RITE OF ACCEPTANCE AND WELCOME is the first rite in one’s journey from an inquirer to an active catechumen. At this rite, the catechumen accepts the cross, manifesting to the faithful of his parish the desire to become "Catholic." During this time, the catechumen:

·        Will learn Catholic beliefs and prayers, reflection, instruction, and discernment.
·        Will join the community in worship.
·        Will participate in the apostolic life of the church.

RITE OF SENDING will occur on the first Sunday of Lent, when the Catechumen writes their name on the Book of Elect, confirming their “yes” to be part of the Catholic Faith and Church. Your parish (St. Martha) will send the catechumens in prayer and confirm that the Catechumen is ready to be recognized by the bishop at the Cathedral or assigned church by the Diocese. RITE OF ELECTION where the bishop formally recognizes the catechumen as "Elect,” and the catechumen's names are read aloud. This sacred moment is followed by prayers of intercession and a special blessing by the bishop. Rite of Sending and Election happen on the same day in different locations.

This marks the beginning of discernment or Purification and Enlightenment, the immediate time for reflection and preparation for the initiation or full reception on Easter vigil.

SCRUTINY: Prayer rites of purification and healing to free the elect from the power of sin, to protect them from temptation, and to give them strength in Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life. These are celebrated during the Sunday liturgy: Lent's third, fourth, and fifth Sundays. Participants will be dismissed in a spirit of prayer after the universal prayer (prayer to the faithful) to reflect on that day's readings and connect them to their faith and church life.

ANOINTING OF THE CATECHUMEN: The anointing oil symbolizes their need for God’s help and strength so that, undeterred by the bonds of the past and overcoming the opposition of the devil, they will forthrightly take the step of professing their faith and will hold fast to it unfalteringly throughout their lives. (RCIA 99). Happens on the Thursday before Palm Sunday.

RITE OF INITIATION: The night before Easter Sunday is called the Easter Vigil. This evening the Elect will receive the Sacraments of Initiation for the first time. As the day approaches, instructions will be given on the time and place of rehearsal and dress code.  

SPONSORS: They are companions and models of faith that will walk with you on this journey. They serve as witnesses of faith and are committed to helping the Catechumen lead a life in keeping with the Catholic faith. The sponsor will encourage the Catechumen to take responsibility for his fidelity to Christ. A sponsor must be age 16 or older, lead a life of faith and commitment to the church, and have the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist). If choosing a married sponsor, he/she must be married by the Catholic Church. 

For more information, please contact Michelle Campisi at [email protected].