So you’ve decided that you want to become Catholic. What next? The first thing that you should do is fill out the interest form. This will help Louisa Postlewait, our Director of Religious Education, figure out what exactly you need and how to best support you! This happens while you are still in the “inquiry” period of the RCIA process.
During the inquiry stage, you are exploring religion, Catholicism specifically, and your relationship with God. Classes for our standard RCIA program also begin during this time in September. The inquiry period is a perfect time to ask questions and to explore what you need out of your spiritual journey.
In December, we celebrate the Rite of Acceptance. At this point, inquierers become catechumens and enter the appropriately named stage the “catechumenate.” During this stage of the RCIA process, the catechumens take on a more intense period of prayer and learning about Jesus, the sacraments, and the Holy Catholic Church.
At the start of Lent, in the early spring, we have the Rite of Sending where our catechumens are affirmed in their commitment to follow God. They write their name in the Book of the Elect and are acknowledged as being chosen by the Church to enter the Church. Either this same day or shortly thereafter, the individuals go to the cathedral for the Rite of Election where the bishop reaffirms this commitment. At this time, the catechumens become the Elect of God. Throughout the rest of Lent, there is a period of final preparation, turning away from sin, and increased prayer. There are three sets of scrutinies that involve specific prayers to turn the Elect away from evil.
At the Easter Vigil, the night before Easter, the Elect will receive all of their Catholic sacraments and become fully initiated members of the Catholic Church. They now enter a period called the mystagogy, a period of spiritual growth, mystery, and joy where the newly baptized can experience the Church fully. The mystagogy is a period where the newly baptized people can experience the Church in a new and deeper way.
If you want to become Catholic or complete your Catholic sacraments, please fill out this interest form. Contact Louisa Postlewait via email at [email protected] or by calling the parish office at (262) 657-1156 with any questions!
