Baptism for Adults
Adults wishing to be baptized whether coming from a
Catholic or non-Catholic background must enroll in the RCIA.1 The
process is summarized as follows:
1.
Inquiry Period: Inquirer (the one seeking to be baptized)
attends sessions that explore their own spiritual heritage and disposition.
These classes are designed also to familiarize the inquirer with a Catholic
world view and basic Truths of the Church. Length of time the inquirer remains
in this stage depends on his own decision and the pastor’s decision as to the
readiness of the inquirer to proceed.
2.
Rite of
Acceptance The
significance of this rite is that it call the community to witness to the
persons readiness to explore the fullness of the Catholic faith.
3.
Catechumenate This is the longest period of the process
during which a systematic and full presentation of the doctrines of the Faith
is made. This is embedded within the communal, liturgical and mystical aspects
of the Church. The catechumen must participate in the catechumenate for one
full liturgical year prior to reception at Easter Vigil.
4.
Rite of Sending The Catechumen participates in this rite
in preparation for Lenten purification. The local community gathers to “send”
the catechumen to the Bishop where he will sign his name in the “Book of the
Elect.”
5.
Rite of Election Together with the diocesan bishop,
sponsors, catechetical leaders and catechumens from other parishes, the
Catechumen attends the Rite of Election. It is here that the Catechumen is
brought on behalf of his home parish. The local parish bears witness to the
bishop through their catechetical leader(s) and sponsors that the catechumen is
ready to continue his faith journey- to face Lenten purification and eventually
receive the sacrament of baptism.
6.
Purification and
Enlightenment The “Elect,” as
he is now called, is challenged throughout the liturgical season of Lent to
examine his heart, to listen to his heart, to examine his life and consider his
readiness to enter into the Kingdom of God through baptism at the Easter Vigil.
7.
Scrutinies These are three Sundays of the Period of
Purification and Enlightenment in Lent on which the Elect is called to reflect
together with the other elect, sponsors and leaders on the higher call and
challenges of the Gospel.
8.
Easter Vigil The Elect is fully initiated into
the Church by means of baptism, confirmation and reception of Holy Communion.