Catholics have the process known as Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). This is a gradual process of faith formation for adults who want to deepen their faith in God, and who seek to receive the sacraments of initiation into the Catholic Church. This process is considered to be a spiritual journey and takes place within the community of the faithful, our parish.
The RCIA process consists of adults who are considered to be either catechumens or candidates. Catechumens are adults who have never been baptized and they need godparents to accompany them. Candidates are adults who have been baptized in a Christian denomination other than the Catholic Church, and whose baptism is recognized as valid. Candidates need sponsors to accompany them.
RCIA Stages
Precatechumenate: a period of inquiry and evangelization.
Catechumenate: a time of structured learning with faith formation.
Period of Purification and Enlightenment: this takes place during Lent and includes final preparations for the Easter celebrations.