RCIA is the process that helps adults answer God’s call to conversion and discipleship. Adults who welcome God’s call and freely respond to it, have the opportunity to receive instruction on the teachings of God and the Catholic Church. If you, or someone you know, want to answer His call and/or get more information, contact Pat & Andy Moletzsky (610-272-9362).

RCIA at Sacred Heart
• Pre-Catechumenate (Period of Inquiry) - This is a time, of no fixed duration or structure, to learn the “basics” of Catholic Christianity through topical presentations and small group discussions. During this period, the group gets to know each other. We’ll discuss what God means to you, what role He plays in your life and what you may be “looking for”. Come and See. It’s a time of understanding, story telling and how it will change your life.

• Period of the Catechumenate - At the end of the Inquiry period, if you desire to continue, and the Church accepts your intention, you will receive the Rite of Acceptance. This leads into a more in-depth stage of structured teaching and formation. The period of the Catechumenate is a lengthy period, whose duration is correspondent to individual progress. Seekers who have not received Christian baptism are accepted as Catechumens; those joining the Catholic Church from another Christian tradition are enrolled as Candidates.

• Rite of Election or Enrollment of Names - This rite is usually celebrated at the beginning of Lent, where the Church formally acknowledges your readiness to receive the Sacraments. Now your called the Elect.

• The Period of Purification and Enlightenment - Now the Elect move into a more intense period of spiritual preparation for the Easter sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation). It’s marked with specific Rites and Scrutinies, Reflection, Contemplation, and is intensely centered on conversion. During this period of preparation, you will receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. As Our Lord is resurrected from the dead, so to, will you rise up in your newness as a Catholic Christian.

• The final period is called Mystogogia - You are now called a neophyte. This means, “newly converted”. Because you will be so “young” in the newness of your conversion, it is the responsibility of the Church community to help you to more deeply understand your faith and to grow in deepening your grasp of the paschal mystery. It is also a time of great importance to the faith community. Because as we help and watch you, we are called to continue our own conversion. To make God first in our lives. To spread His good news.