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Parish Director of the Right of Christian Initiation: Barbara Murphy Phone: (424) 823-5159 or (310) 474-1527 ext. 159 E-mail: bmurphy@sp-apostle.org

For those coming to the Christian faith RCIA provides a period of inquiry in which to ask questions, hear the stories of others, and share in a faith experience as they come to know Jesus through the Gospel. The search for God has begun before coming to RCIA when someone hears the Word through a friend or family member and wishes to seek out that which touches their heart. There is no set time for the inquiry period. Each journey is unique and this is a time to reflect on what has been heard and to find initial growth in faith.

Once the period of inquiry comes to an end there is the first rite of initiation call the Rite of Acceptance into the Cathechumenate. This is the time when they are officially welcomed into the Church. This is when they declare their intention to the Church and the Church in turn welcomes them.

During the time of the catechumenate the faith experience is explored more deeply. Teachings of the Catholic faith are discussed and reflected upon. They participate in weekly mass and are dismissed after the homily with other catechumens to continue reflecting on the word of God with a team member called a catechist. Most find this time of dismissal a deep experience of God until the time when they are ready to participate in the sacrament of Eucharist.

At the end of a year (or longer; it depends on the person) there is the second rite called the Rite of Election. This is a celebration that takes place at the Cathedral and is presided over by the Cardinal. It is the time when each catechumen is called by name to sign the book of the elect.

Through this rite the catechumens enter into a period of purification and enlightenment. They are now called the elect. This is a time of deep reflection and prayer rather than teaching. It coincides with Lent and is filled with rites that purify their minds and hearts as they journey toward baptism at the Easter Vigil.

At the Easter Vigil they are baptized and receive confirmation and Eucharist.

They now enter the period of Mystagogy which ends on Pentecost Sunday. It is a time of reflection on the paschal mystery of which they have become a part. It is also a time of mission, when they enter the parish life and carry with them the message of Jesus Christ into their daily lives.

Call Barbara Murphy at 424-832-5159 to find out more about RCIA.