How Much Do I Need to Know In Order to Become Catholic?

• The RCIA program is taught as a "basic training" for new Catholics. Many individuals who have gone through the program and are now actively practicing the Catholic faith originally came to RCIA classes having never been educated in the areas of theology and philosophy. If this is how you come, you are most welcome! All you need to bring with you is your individual life experiene, an open mind and heart, and a willingness to seriously consider what is being taught. There is no "test" that anyone needs to pass in order to become a member of the Catholic Church!

• You are in good company! No one is "holy enough" to receive the awesome gift of deep and intimate communion with Jesus Christ as a member of His Church. However, He nonetheless still chooses to invite each of us into His loving embrace just as He did with His original disciples. None of us are worthy to receive this gift, yet all of us are offered it. In order to become Catholic, the Church simply looks for a basic understanding of the Catholic faith and a commitment to living a life consistent with the teachings of the Catholic Church--a life which reflects the life lived by Our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ.

• There is no need to be nervous about this! If God totally respects our freedom to choose how to respond to His love, so too will His Church. Your freedom is of the utmost importance to those directing the RCIA program. While you will be invited and encouraged, you need not ever live in fear of feeling "forced" into Catholicism. Sometimes, individuals will attend RCIA multiple years before joining the Catholic Church. Real love totally respects our freedom, and it is our desire at St. Michael's to model this real love--the love of Jesus--to each of you!

What does the RCIA process entail?
The RCIA process is divided into four stages:

1. Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate: A time for questions and initial stirrings of conversion to Christ. The period ends with the “Rite of Welcoming and Acceptance” during Mass near the beginning of the liturgical year (early December).
2. Period of the Catechumenate: Those inquirers who participated in the Rite of Acceptance are now catechumens (meaning "one being instructed") and are taught various Catholic doctrines and traditions in more depth and are strengthened through blessings and other rites. The period ends with the "Rite of Sending & Rite of Election" on the first Sunday of Lent.
3. Period of Purification & Enlightenment: A time for more intense spiritual preparation for the upcoming sacraments. This period coincides with Lent, and the format of RCIA shifts from having classes to participating in rites & scrutinies during the Mass. This period ends on the Easter Vigil with the reception of the sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.
4. Period of Mystagogy & the Neophyte Year: A time to unpack the grace and meaning of the sacraments as a new Catholic! Classes resume for Mystagogy lasting until Pentecost (50 days after Easter).  At this time, RCIA formally concludes.