What is R.C.I.A.?
R.C.I.A. stands for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. It is the process by which an adult person is initiated into the Catholic Church, through Baptism, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion.  Through this process the adult is formed in the Christian faith, with the local parish community serving as both catechists and models.


Who is in the R.C.I.A.?
*  Un-baptized adults
*  Adults baptized in non-Trinitarian formula
*  Adults baptized as Catholic, but lack First Holy Communion and Confirmation
*  Adults baptized & confirmed infants in the Catholic Church, but lack First Holy Communion
*  Adults baptized in other Christian Churches, in the Trinitarian formula with water.

What is the R.C.I.A. process like?
Inquirers enter into a public process, are formed in community, and integrated into the life of the Church through that community. The decision to accept baptism, or to become a Catholic, or to complete one's Catholic initiation must be the free will of each person.  The Catholic Church does not coerce, guilt, nor do we manipulate this decision.   

Regardless of a person's age or circumstances, the Church is tasked with the duties, rights, and responsibilities to ensure that each individual meets the requirements set out by the Code of Canon Law, as well as publicly demonstrates the desire, readiness, and lifestyle that reflects acceptance and understanding of the Gospel and becoming a member of the Catholic Church. 
   
The St. Pius X process begins with an interview with the pastor and continues with weekly evening instructional sessions that begin in September and conclude in May. While there are standards or measures by which to discern a person's proper place in the R.C.I.A., and how long each will be in each phase, there is no absolute schedule for an individual's RCIA process to run; it varies from person-to-person.

R.C.I.A. Phases
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is comprised of four phases.  These phases follow the experience of conversion to and initiation in the Christian faith.

Inquiry (aka: Evangelization): This phase mimics the first experience of hearing the Word of God, of becoming aware of God's presence, love, and work in our lives.  In this first awareness, one is getting to know who God is through story-telling of their own life and the stories of the Bible.  It is the phase in which the first stirrings of faith in Jesus Christ begin.  For one that is already baptized, it is a re-awakening of that awareness and beginning of renewal, as well as first intentional integration into the community of believers. 

Catechumenate: This phase is the apprenticeship towards Christian discipleship.  It is accomplished through formal instruction in the core teachings and beliefs (doctrine) of the faith and experienced through liturgy, service, and parish community life.  This comprehensive approach aims for a thorough integration of the faith.  The Catechumenate follows the liturgical cycle of the Church since that is how the faith is experienced in daily life. 

Purity & Enlightenment: This phase, indicated by its name, points to an intense, inward reflection and discernment.  In this phase, the candidate seeks to be purified in their intentions to follow Christ more fully, to recognize any sinful attachments or attitudes that still separate or diminish their relationship with Christ, and to receive the light they need to follow him more authentically.  It is no longer a time to "learn teachings that were not picked up" - those must be completed fully prior to beginning this phase.  Included in this phase are spiritual retreats, and smaller rituals intended to support and assist each person.  This phase occurs for the un-baptized and un-catechized (baptized) during Lent.

Mystagogia: It is said that all of the baptized faithful are continuing this phase because we are still reflecting on the story of Christ, and still experiencing the conversion from our Christian initiation, regardless of when that occurred.  The Mystagogia, strictly speaking, occurs for the neophytes and newly professed members for the period between Easter and Pentecost.  Some experts propose a year-long mystagogia.  The mystagogia period is similar to the story of walk along the road Emmaus.  The disciples were so excited and filled with wonder telling the story of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection that they did not recognize it was Christ to whom they were speaking, until the breaking of the bread.  He helped them understand his story in relation to the Scriptures, and all they had experienced.  It is a time of reflection, celebration, and active participation in the life and mission of the Church. 

Catholics, active or inactive, and visitors are always welcome to attend any sessions! Check out the Schedule to the right for a list of topics!

For questions or more information about the process, please contact Linda Valyan, RCIA Coordinator, at (409) 892-3316, ext. 4 or (409) 553-5700 or email stpx_rcia@ yahoo.com.