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The Four Stages of RCIA:
- The first is the
Period of Inquiry which may lasts from several weeks to many
months. During this stage candidates are invited to ask questions
about the Church, share their own faith stories, and decide whether
they wish to continue.
- Those who do
continue celebrate the Rite of Becoming Catechumenate. This
is a more intense period of instruction and introduction to liturgy,
faith-life, and service.
- The Rite of
Election, which normally takes place on the First Sunday of
Lent, marks the transition between the Catechumenate and the third
stage, Enlightenment and Purification. This stage covers the season
of Lent and includes special liturgical ceremonies at the Lenten
Masses, as well as more intense preparation through prayer and
study. It climaxes at the Easter Vigil with the sacraments of
Initiation-baptism, confirmation, and the holy Eucharist.
- The final stage of
the RCIA is the Post-baptismal Catechesis (Mystagogia) This
stage lasting from Easter to Pentecost focuses on the mysteries (Mystagogia)
of Christ's death and resurrection and helps the newly baptized to
develop a deeper understanding of their faith. They now share fully
in the Eucharist and are asked to live the Gospel in their daily
lives and to perform works of service for others.
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History of RCIA
Four Stages of RCIA
RCIA Main |
