These initials stand for the "Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults" and label the process used to initiate adults into the Catholic faith. This process, which has its roots in the early church, was re-instituted during Vatican II. The period of initiation is unique to the individual and may last from 9 months to several years. During this time, your journey will lead you to a conversion of heart and bring you to a closer relationship with Jesus Christ, after whom we are called to model our lives.

• I was baptized in another Christian religion and now wish to become Catholic.

• I was baptized Catholic but have not received any other sacraments and little if any religious education.

• I am married to a Catholic and attend mass and would like to receive the sacraments.

• My kids are old enough to ask questions and I want to be able to practice what I preach and be a good role model.

If you recognize yourself in any of these statements, the RCIA journey could be for you. Call Debbie Bloomgren at 248.693.0440 to find out more.

The RCIA team leaders journey with the Candidates and Catechumens. They attend weekly meetings on Wednesday evenings and help lead small group discussions. Some team members also serve as sponsors. Team members encourage and/or invite participation in parish events and activities. Most importantly, team members are a witness to their faith and an important link to the parish community.

To be a team member you should be a fully initiated, practicing Catholic in good standing with the church. You should have a love for the Catholic faith and have a desire and willingness to share it with others.

The RCIA journey consists of 4 stages. Although we follow a calendar year format here at St. Joes, the length of time a participant stays in each stage is totally dependent on their personal journey. They only move to the next stage when they are comfortable and ready.

Stage 1:  Inquiry/Pre-Catechumenate
In our parish, this stage begins soon after the Easter Vigil in the spring.  The Inquiry/Pre-Catechumenate is a time when the Inquirer (someone inquiring about the Catholic faith) meets with 1 or 2 team members each week for about an hour. During this time, we try to answer any questions you may have, as well as correct any mis-information you may have about the Catholic Church. This period lasts for as long as you need it to. If you decide that you do, indeed want to pursue becoming a Catholic, you participate in the Rite of Acceptance and enter into the next stage of the journey called the Catechumenate. The Rite of Acceptance is usually celebrated the first week of Advent.

Stage 2:  Catechumenate
This period may also last as long as necessary. It is important to realize that your journey to the Catholic faith follows an individual timeline. As you enter the catechumenate, conversion and faith in Jesus Christ should already be present. The catechumenate period is spent learning how this faith manifests itself in the Catholic Tradition.  Through scripture study, mass attendance, presentation and discussion, the team will help you come to a fuller understanding and appreciation of the Catholic faith. The parish community will serve as support and encouragement as you discover what it means to live as a Catholic Christian in today’s world. On the first Sunday of Lent, if you choose to take the next step, the Candidates and Catechumens participate in the Rite of Sending at our parish and then journey to the Cathedral in Detroit to participate in the Rite of Enrollment with the other Candidates and Catechumens in our Diocese. They then enter into the final preparations before baptism and full initiation into the faith.

Stage 3: Period of Purification and Enlightenment
This period corresponds with the Lenten Season and is a period of intense reflection and preparation to receive the sacraments on Holy Saturday night at the Easter Vigil. The candidates and catechumens are prayed over during the Liturgies of Lent and opportunities for retreat and prayerful contemplation are offered. At the end of this period, the candidates and catechumens are fully initiated into the Catholic Church through the reception of the sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil.

Stage 4: Postbaptismal Catechesis or Mystagogy
Mystagogy is the period after the rites of Initiation into the Catholic Church. It’s a time for settling in. The Neophytes (new Catholics) deepen their understanding of what happened to them at Easter and settle into their new roles as Catholic Christians within the parish community. By attending mass together and talking about their experiences, the team members and the parish family help the neophytes with this important transition. The team and parish community also help the neophytes discover ways in which they can participate in the ministerial life of the parish community. This transition is usually completed around the Feast of Pentacost.