This program, which is very similar to RCIA, is designed at the level of children bringing the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation) to any child who is over the age of 7 and has never been baptized in any faith tradition. For those who have been baptized in another faith give of Profession of the Catholic Faith then proceed with preparation for the Eucharist and Confirmation Sacraments. In both cases, the children are placed in a class that meets on Sunday mornings 10:30-11:00AM, in addition to being enrolled in regular religious education courses appropriate for their age. The celebration of the Sacraments takes place at the Easter Vigil.

Register your child for Religous Education and RCIC.

**There is no obligation to move forward after the designated time frame for each period. One may stay in any period for as long as one wishes. These are very important steps that should be discerned prayerfully and carefully. Please take advantage of the RCIA Team, Religious Education Staff, Priests and Deacons to help you through this time of reflection. Each step is an increase in the knowledge and understanding of the Catholic Faith, your life, God's will for your life, and an increase in a relationship with Christ.

First Step: Period of Inquiry

During this time, inquirers explore the idea of becoming Catholic Christians. They raise questions about the Catholic Faith and Life, and connect their own lives to God's will for them.

How Long?  The Period of Inquiry is offered several times a year and lasts 6-9 weeks.

Second Step: Catechumenate (time of learning)

Some inquirers decide to commit themselves and continue the initiation journey. Inquirers who have not been baptized enter through a ceremony called the Rite of Acceptance Into the Order of Catechumens. They publicly declare their faith, and the Church symbolically claims them for Christ by signing them with the cross. They are now called Catechumens (which means "one who is learning"). Those who are already baptized Christians seeking to become Catholic enter the Rite of Welcoming and are called Candidates for Full Communion. From this point, a sponsor is given to each Catechumen and Candidate who supports him/her in the journey. They all participate in the liturgies and meet weekly for study on Sundays. Adults involved in RCIA are blessed and dismissed each week after the homily to reflect on the Scripture readings they have heard. Following Mass, they stay for a time to learn about the teachings of the Church as passed down to us from the Apostles. These sessions are open to all adults.

How Long?   The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has stated that this period is to last at least one year for Catechumens, and at least 6 to 9 months for a Candidate.

Third Step: Period of Purification and Enlightenment

During the season of Lent, Candidates and Catechumens take this opportunity by means of prayer to reflect deeply on their lives, the effects of personal sin, and ways to grow in personal holiness. When Catechumens and Candidates discern, with the help of sponsors and the RCIA team, that God is calling them to be in full communion with the Catholic Faith, they end their time of learning the faith and begin their time of living the faith. Catechumens enter the Rite of Election because they have been chosen to be a Christian disciple. Candidates undergo the Rite of the Call to Continuing Conversion.

How long?   This period is a time of intense pray lasting six weeks.

Fourth Step: Initiation and Mystagogia

The Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday is the primary celebration of the Lord's resurrection and is the occasion for the celebration of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation with those who have prepared for so long. Catechumens are given the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist).The newly initiated are called Neophytes as they are the "new beings" in the faith. At the same time, Candidates are brought into full communion through the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. These are celebrated by the Bishop or someone designated by him.

The period of Mystagogia is a time for all to "study the mysteries" of the Sacraments just received, reflecting on the significance in their lives, and participate in them fully by seeking out their place in the parish community.

How Long?   The new Catholics continue to meet weekly during the Easter Season. The journey of faith lasts a lifetime.

Q: If I was Baptized in another Christian faith, and I'm considering becoming Catholic, do I get "re-baptized?"

A: "We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins" (Nicene Creed). Baptism imprints on the soul an indelible mark which consecrates the person for Christian worship and unites him to Christ. Given the special nature of Baptism, it cannot be repeated. (CCC1272) A baptized non-Catholic would attend all steps of Christian Initiation.

Q: I am Catholic, but I did not receive Confirmation as a youth. Should I attend RCIA?

A: At All Saints, the Sacrament of Confirmation is offered to those who have reached their 8th grade school year and older. In this case, you would be taken through a special interview process with one of the RCIA coordinators in order to asses your faith formation. Accordingly, you would begin the steps appropriate to your faith formation.

Q: My child is the ninth grade and has not received the Sacrament of Confirmation. What should she do?

A: At All Saints the Sacrament of Confirmation is offered to those in the 8th grade and older. Your child will be given an interview to assess the type of faith formation they have been given through the years. Depending on her needs and desires, she will have the option of attending RCIC (Rite of Christian Initiation of Children) because of her young age, or attending among her younger peers in the 8th grade class - which meets weekly on Sunday afternoons. We encourage, in addition to Sacrament preparation classes, she attend Life Teen on Sunday evenings. This is a great opportunity for young teens to learn and understand further the teachings of the Catholic Faith as well as getting involved with the faith community.

Contact: All Saints Catholic Church Religious Education * 5231 Meadowcreek * Dallas, TX 75248

office: 972-778-0328 * fax: 972-233-5401