WHAT IS RCIA?
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops describes the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults as a process in which participants "undergo…conversion as they study the Gospel, profess faith in Jesus and the Catholic Church, and receive the sacraments…The RCIA process follows the ancient practice of the Church and was restored by the Second Vatican Council as the normal way adults prepare for baptism."
Likewise, the language used in the RCIA process is that of the early Church formation programs.
Catechumens are those non-baptized adults or older children (7 years or older) who are seeking full initiation into the Catholic Church through all of the Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. During this process, which is marked by regular ritual acts, participants are introduced to the liturgy, the teachings, and the life of the Catholic Church.
Candidates are adults or older children (7 years or older) who were baptized in another Christian denomination but are seeking initiation into the Catholic Church through Eucharist and Confirmation. There are some persons who were actually baptized as Roman Catholics, but have little, if any, upbringing in the Catholic faith; these can also be considered as Candidates wishing to receive the Sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation. Those who are to become Candidates, that is, those who are already baptized in another Christian denomination are NOT re-baptized; they are asked to furnish a copy of their baptismal certificate. If this certificate cannot be located, an affidavit from parents, godparents or others who witnessed the baptism will suffice.
Confirmandi are adults (high school or older) who are already baptized Roman Catholics, but who have not yet been confirmed (and perhaps not yet received First Holy Communion). Teens in high school years attend classes under the direction of Louie Latina, our Director of Youth Ministry. All other teens (out of high school) and adults attend classes with the Catechumens and Candidates.