The RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is a process whereby those interested in learning about the Catholic faith come together on a weekly basis to learn about the scriptures and the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, and at the same time, to discover where God is present in their lives. The process is designed for those adults and children over the age of seven who are:
Unbaptized
Baptized in another tradition (denomination)
Baptized Catholic, but with no further religious training or sacraments
There are four rites:
The Rite of Acceptance/Welcome: This is the first rite of the RCIA process. It takes place within the context of a Sunday Mass. Those wishing to enter into the second phase of the RCIA (the Precatechumenate or study phase) make a public commitment to accept the way of the cross, and the worshipping community. The members of our parish family, publicly welcome these individuals and promise to support them in their ongoing journey of faith. The candidates (baptized) and catechumens (un-baptized) are signed with the sign of the cross to remind them of their commitment, and they also receive the Word of God, to remind them that the Scriptures are the source of our faith.
The Rite of Sending Forth is celebrated at Mass on the First Sunday of Lent. This is the rite in which the sponsors and the parish community affirm the readiness of these individuals for the Easter Sacraments and to pledge prayerful support for them. After inscribing their names in the Book of the Elect, they are sent forth to the Rite of Elect/Continuing Conversion where they will be presented to the Archbishop who will offcially call them to celebrate the Sacraments of Initiation during the Sacred Triduum..
The Rite of Election,as referred to above, is celebrated at the Cathedral in Oklahoma City on the First Sunday of Lent. Those wishing to be Baptized or Received in to Full Communion of the Catholic Church come together to officially enter their names in the "Book of the Elect," which signifies their intention to be initiated at the Easter Vigil. The Bishop joyfully welcomes those to be baptized as children of God, as well as those who have already been baptized but seek full communion of the Catholic Church.
The Scrutinies: The 3 Scrutinies are rites designed to help those seeking initiation into the Catholic Church to overcome their areas of weakness, and to strengthen their areas of goodness. The parish family joins in prayer with them, asking God to purify them and help them to be ready to receive the sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil. The Scrutinies are designed for the unbaptized, and take place during Masses on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th Sundays in Lent. The
The Sacrament of Penance is celebrated during Lent for those baptized in other faith communities. Each candidate for Full Communion makes an individual appointment to experience their first confession.