Not too long ago, adults who wanted to become Roman Catholics attended a few weeks of "convert instruction" and were quietly baptized in a private ceremony by the parish priest.  It was a totally private process that involved only a priest and the inquirer.  One of the great gifts of the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s was a renewed process of forming and initiating adults called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).

The RCIA restores for the modern world the process the ancient Church used in initiating members.  Early Christians realized that initiation is a process that proceeds through certain stages and that necessarily involves the entire faith community.  At Nativity, the process typically takes a year and is designed to meet each individual’s needs.  It begins with a series of Inquiry sessions and continues through weekly Catechumenate sessions until the individual is ready for Baptism or reception into the Church.  It is a dynamic process that includes both instruction in the faith and formation for a life of Christian discipleship.

At Nativity, an adult can begin the RCIA process at any time. Typically the newcomer spends several months in the Inquiry group.  During this time, basic questions are answered and the Inquirer begins to see how his or her faith journey has led to this moment. The group is designed for any non-Catholic who wants to learn more about the Church in a low-key, pressure-free setting.

After a time, the Inquirer moves on to the Catechumenate. Members of this group attend the 10:30 a.m. Sunday Mass together and are "dismissed" after the homily to reflect on the Scriptures for the day and their lessons for the Catholic Christian life.  The group reconvenes on Wednesday evening from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the Adult Education Building, behind the main Church Offices. 

The length of time spent in Inquiry and Catechumenate will vary depending on the individual.  For those who are unbaptized, the time involved is at least a year.  For baptized Christians from other churches, the preparation time usually is shorter.

Individuals seeking Baptism are baptized, confirmed, and receive Holy Eucharist during the Great Easter Vigil.  Those Christians seeking to join the Catholic Church by making a Profession of Faith do so during Mass three or four times a year.

Few things in parish life are more rewarding than helping someone learn about the Catholic faith.  You don’t need to be a theologian or an experienced teacher.  You do need to be an adult Catholic who participates regularly in the sacramental life of the Church and who has a lively interest in the faith.  Please consider one of these ministries:

Catechumenate team member.  Greet people, help guide small group discussions on Wednesday evenings.

Inquiry team member. Help teach beginners the basics of the faith and answer questions in a small-group meeting twice a month.

Sponsor.  Be willing to share your faith journey with another adult as he or she prepares to join the Church.

Prayer partner.  Pray regularly for your catechumen or candidate. Write an occasional note or letter of encouragement.

Scripture sharing. Facilitate Scripture sharing among catechumens and candidates during their Sunday “dismissal” time.