RCIA - Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults
Considering Becoming Catholic?
We're Here to Walk With You
Are you curious about the Catholic faith? Wondering what it means to become Catholic or how the journey begins?
At The Tri-Parish Catholic Communities of Ballston Lake, Glenville, and Scotia, NY, we warmly welcome you to explore your questions and take the next step in your faith journey. Whether you're just beginning to explore or are ready to take a deeper look, you're not alone—we're here to guide and support you every step of the way.
Our welcoming community is here to:
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Answer your questions about Catholic beliefs and traditions
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Introduce you to the RCIA process (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults)
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Offer a safe and supportive space to grow in faith
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Walk with you as you discover God's love and purpose for your life
Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, know that you're welcome here. Come and see what it means to become part of the Catholic Church—we're ready when you are.
RCIA Ministry Leads
Carol and Paul Heckman
for more information about RCIA please contact the Parish Office
518-399-9168
What made you decide to seek information on becoming a Catholic?
People seek information about becoming Catholic for a variety of reasons. Perhaps you are married to a Catholic...or you have many friends who are Catholic...you are interested in the teachings of the Church. It could be you have a desire to experience the sacraments of the Church. Maybe you want to know Jesus Christ more fully and are seeking God. There are many ways that God calls a person into relationship with Jesus and we are happy to help you along this journey.
The Process
The RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) is a process through which a person gradually deepens their personal relationship with Jesus Christ and lives out their faith in the Catholic community. The RCIA process emphasizes personal conversion and a commitment to the Catholic way of life.
The RCIA process is for three groups of people:
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Those who are not baptized (known as "catechumens")
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Those who were baptized in another Christian denomination and want to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church
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Baptized Catholics who were not instructed in the Catholic faith and who have not completed their initiation through the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.
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The latter two groups are known as "candidates"
Are you wondering....
is the RCIA process for me?
Want to talk to someone about RCIA? Call the Parish Office
518-399-9168
PastoralAdmin@icglenville.com
RCIA has four stages of formation
Pre-Catechumenate
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During this period, "inquirers" can receive answers to some of their most pressing questions about the Catholic faith and discern how this faith might connect with their personal story and their desire for a closer relationship with Jesus Christ and the Christian community. There is no time limit to this period. When ready, inquirers are invited to continue the journey through participation in the ritual called the Rite of Acceptance into the order of Catechumenate.
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Catechumenate
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This is the second period of preparation. This stage varies in length according to each person's needs. Catechumens (those preparing for Baptism) and Candidates (those already baptized who are preparing to join the Catholic Church), will spend time being introduced to Catholic beliefs and way of life. The Scriptures and Catholic teachings will guide them, while participation in various forms of worship, prayer and parish activities will help integrate them into the Catholic lifestyle. A sponsor will be chosen to provide individual support, and the parish community will continue to welcome them and pray for them. This stage culminates in the celebration of the Rite of Election where catechumens are officially accepted for the Easter Sacraments and are now called "elect". Baptized candidates may also participate in this rite, but are called to continuing conversion.
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Purification and Enlightenment
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This period, which coincides with the season of Lent, is a time of final preparation for initiation. Lent is ordinarily that time for all to turn from sin and be enlightened by Christ. During this time, the Elect engage in prayer and reflection about their growing relationship with Christ and the Church. They discern how they will live out that relationship in their everyday lives. The centerpiece of this period of prayerful preparation is the celebration of the Scrutinies. This period climaxes with the celebration of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil liturgy on the night before Easter.
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Mystagogy
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Mystagogy means "leading into the mysteries". This final period lasts from Easter Sunday until the completion of the Easter season, which is 50 days later on Pentecost Sunday. It is a time when the newly initiated reflect on that which they have just experienced and begin their lifelong pilgrimage of growth as the mysteries of their faith unfold.