RCIA and RCIC refers to different processes within the Catholic Church for welcoming new members.
RCIA stands for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, and is for adults who are not yet Catholic but want to join the Church. It may also be referred to as ‘the Catechumenate.’ It is a process of Christian formation offered to those who seek to become Catholic. It is appropriate for those who are 18 years of age or older. In our parish, RCIA runs when there is an expressed interest. The location and times of meetings to explore the Catholic faith are flexible and negotiated, according to the needs of the person/people. In 2024-5, meetings were held in Yass at Mt. Carmel school, on a Thursday evening.
The initiation of new members is a gradual process allowing enquirers time to grow in faith and become full participants of the Catholic community. The catechumenal journey or RCIA process is marked by three major liturgical rites.* These rites act as key gateways along the way. Each major rite is preceded and followed by a period of maturing faith.
RCIC stands for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Children, and is for children who are not yet Catholic but want to join the Church. It is for people who are from 7-18 years of age. RCIC does not require the same level of preparation that RCIA does, and often is accessed by children who want to participate in the current Sacramental program of any calendar year.
In our parish of St. Augustine's Yass, baptised Catholic children who are preparing to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Holy Eucharist and Confirmation, do so with the help of our Parish Sacramental team.
*Rite = the form and manner of religious observance or ceremony for the worship of God and the sanctification of humankind.