Rite of Christian Initiation
R.C.I.A.

Those preparing to be Christians are called catechumens.  They go through a time of inquiry, study, and testing to learn if they are being called by God to embrace and live the Christian faith.  This process is called the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults.  (It is often referred to as the R.C.I.A.)  If, after a year of preparation, these catechumens truly believe and are ready to live the Faith, they are baptized at Easter.

Those who are already baptized Christians and are considering becoming Catholics go through the same process.  They learn what the Church believes and what it means to live as a Catholic.  Since they are already baptized, they make a profession of Faith at Easter and receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Communion.

The R.C.I.A. has four stages:

 1.  Pre - catechumenate: the first stage of enquiry.
 2.  Catecumenate: a time of continued study to learn and accept
      God's truth and his will.  This lasts until the season of lent.
 3.  Enlightenment: this is during the season of lent, the period of
      final preparation before entering the Church.  It is a time of special grace from God.

4.  Mystagogia: during the Easter Season, a time to deepen one's understanding of God's truth.