RCIA: The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. This is the title of the process designed to prepare adults for entrance into the Catholic Church by the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation.

The Office of Worship:

• Supports parish catechumenate and initiation ministries,
• Sponsors Christian Initiation (RCIA) leader and team formation programs,
• Offers in-service and formation for Christian Initiation ministries, and
• Plans and coordinates the annual Rite of Election ceremonies at the Cathedral of Saint Peter.

On the first Sunday of Lent, in the Diocese of Belleville, we celebrate the Rite of Election. This rite is among the last steps the catechumens take before they pass through the waters of Baptism, are sealed with the Holy Spirit in Confirmation, and take their place at the Eucharistic table. This celebration also marks the period of final, more intense preparation for the sacraments of initiation during which the elect will be encourage to follow Christ with greater generosity.

Please take time to familiarize yourself with the information in this packet.  OCIA  Required Rites
If you have any questions, please call the Office of Worship at 618.722.5038 or 618.722.5040.

Thank you.

To learn more about the sacraments of initiation and the baptismal catechumenate, please take time to review or purchase the following helpful resources:

WEB RESOURCES
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops)

PRINT RESOURCES

• “Celebrating Initiation: A Guide for Priests,” Paul Turner, 2007, World Library Publication
• “A Child’s Journey The Christian Initiation of Children,” Rita Burns Senseman, 1998, TeamRCIA
• “Great is the Mystery Encounterning the Formation Power of Liturgy,” Joe Paprocki & Todd Williamson, 2013, Liturgy Training Publications (LTP)
• “A Harvest for God Christian Initiation in the Rural and Small-Town Parish,” Michael Clay, 2003, LTP
• “The Heart of Faith A Field Guide for Catechumens and Candidates,” Nick Wagner, 2010, Twenty-Third Publications
• “A Mystagogy of Faith A Study of Structural Elements of the Order of Mass,” Lawrence Johnson, 2011, Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions (FDLC)
• “A Mystagogy of Sacrament Saying Amen,” Kathleen Hughes, 1999, LTP
• “One at the Table The Reception of Baptized Christians,” Ronald Oakham, 1995, LTP
• “The RCIA Transforming the Church,” Thomas Morris, Paulist Press
• “The Way of Faith A Field Guide for the RCIA Process,” Nick Wagner, 2008, Twenty-Third Publications
• “When Other Christians Become Catholic,” Paul Turner, 2007, Liturgical Press