Steps for RCIA

What is a Catechumen?

A catechumen is someone who is not baptized and is in process to prepare to receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. This person has to celebrate the rite of welcome to officially be considered a catechumen.
If you are a Catechumen:
One pair of Sponsors will serve for all the sacraments that you will receive on Holy Saturday. You must have two sponsors. If they are married they must be married in the church.

 

What is a Candidate?

A candidate is an adult or youth (9th grade in school and 14 years old) who is baptized and is in the process to prepare to receive the Sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation.
If you are a candidate:
One sponsor is enough. Officially sponsors are only required for Confirmation. It is our custom to have “Padrinos” for First Communion. Sponsors must be married in the church.

 

What are the rites?

The rites are the celebrations of the Church for those who are on the road to receiving the sacraments of initiation. All the rites are mandated by the Church. The candidate and their sponsor must be present at all the rites and ceremonies listed here.

Additionally…
• The adults will be attending a retreat. This will include an extra fee.
• You will need to have a sponsor by the end of November