RCIA
Right of Christian Inititation of Adults (RCIA)
The RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is the usual method for an adult (or child between the ages of seven to sixteen) to become Catholic.
Classes are offered on Sunday Mornings for the convenience of participants, and end in time to attend the 10:00 Mass. Our Adult seekers meet in the St. Mary School's gym.
Come and be part of something amazing - everyone is welcome and we don't mind making room for you!
A complete description of the Rite can be found here, courtesy of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Interested? Take a moment to fill out the RCIA Registration Form.
More questions? Please call the Religious Education Office at (630) 552-1505 or email at religiouseducation@saintmaryplano.com.
Catechumenate
Those who decide to enter the Church and are being trained for a life in Christ are called catechumens, an ancient name from the early Church. In this stage, you're developing your faith and are being "catechized" — learning catechism, or the basic points about Catholic faith and life.
Inquiry
This is the initial period before you decide to enter the Catholic Church. You're asking questions and checking it out, but aren't yet ready to commit.
Purification and Preparation
The Church will help you focus and intensify your faith as you prepare to commit your life to Christ and be received into the Church at Easter.
Initiation
This is the culmination of the whole process. You're received into the Church during the Easter Vigil Mass, where you'll receive the sacraments of initiation: baptism, confirmation and Eucharist. If you've already been baptized, you won't be baptized again.
Mystagogy
After reception into the Church at Easter, this period lets you reflect and learn more about the mysteries of the Mass and the Sacraments that you now participate in fully.
-from beingcatholic.org