RCIA Program for Adults

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a process developed by the Catholic Church for prospective converts to Catholicism above the age of infant baptism. Candidates are gradually introduced to aspects of Catholic beliefs and practices. The basic process applies to adults and children who have reached catechetical age. Some Catholic communities through the Neocatechumenal Way, promote post-baptismal formation based on the RCIA. The ideal is for there to be an RCIA process available in every Roman Catholic parish. Those who want to join an RCIA group should aim to attend one in the parish where they live. In the Parish of Katukurunda, the first ever organized RCIA team was formed in the year 2021. This team operates at the following two levels:

1. Evangelization (catechizing non-Catholics converting into Catholicism) missio ad gentes
2. Re-evangelization (re-catechizing Catholics who have lost faith) missio inter gentes

For those candidates who wish to join, an RCIA process – it is a period of reflection, prayer, instruction, discernment, and formation. There is a timetable set by the parish as a minimum requirement, but those who join the process are encouraged to go at their own pace and to take as much time as they need if more time is needed. The process should extend for at least one year for formation, instruction, and probation for those who have had no previous experience with living a Christian life. However, nothing … can be settled a priori. The time spent in the catechumenate should be long enough—several years if necessary—for the conversion and faith of the catechumens to become strong. For those who have some experience leading a Christian life, those belonging to non-Catholic denominations the process can be much shorter, according to the individual case.

Those who enter the process are expected to begin attending Mass on a Sunday, participate in regular faith formation activities, and to become increasingly involved in the activities of their local parish. The Parish Priest will attend to the pastoral and personal care of the catechumens with the RCIA team of laymen and women throughout the process.

• RCIA Syllabus Form

•  RCIA in-season Program Form

• RCIA off-season Program Form