Baptism for Adults
The first step to being received into the Catholic faith begins with the inquiry stage, in which unbaptized adults express their desire and intention to become Catholic Christians. Entrance into the Catholic Church is governed by the program known as the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). If you are interested in becoming part of our great Catholic Faith, please call the office at (718) 295-6800 for more information about how to enter into the RCIA program. Weekly RCIA meetings and mass attendance are part of the process.
Preparation for the Unbaptized to become Catholic
- Rite of Reception into the Order of Catechumens – The word “catechumen” comes from the Greek meaning “to be instructed, informed”. This was the word used by early Christians describing those preparing for baptism.
- Rite of Election – At the rite of election, the catechumen again expresses the desire and intention to become a Christian, and the Church judges that the catechumen is ready to take this step. Each of the catechumens’ names are written in a book of those who will receive the sacraments of initiation.
- Scrutinies – The scrutinies are rites for self-searching and repentance and are celebrated at Mass on the third, fourth, and fifth Sundays of Lent. They are meant to bring a deeper level of inward searching for the catechumen’s soul through special scriptural readings.
- Initiation – The Initiation takes place at the Easter Vigil, the evening before Easter Day. That evening a special Mass (Holy Saturday) is celebrated at which the catechumens are baptized, then given confirmation, and finally receive the Holy Eucharist. At this point the catechumens become Catholics and are received into full communion with the Church.
- Reconciliation – Catechumens receive Baptism, Confirmation and First Eucharist at the Easter Vigil and therefore do not participate in the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation until after Easter.