For RCIA Registration, please download the Adult Inquirer Information Form (PDF format) and mail the completed form to St. Joseph Church, PO Box 372, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546.

RCIA (the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is the process by which a person 7 years or older becomes Catholic. They will go through a process which follows the natural path of faith – a real Journey of Faith. It’s divided into phases or stages. Each new phase is marked with a Rite – a ceremony held at a Sunday Mass. Candidate and Sponsor come before the congregation for prayer.
At first, there is the Inquiry stage where we begin to seek something greater than ourselves. We are seekers for something or Someone. We know there must be more to life. During this stage in the RCIA we talk about beliefs that all Christians hold, plus some things that are uniquely Catholic. This is the “come and see” stage – no commitments, just exploring the Catholic Faith and stirring up the faith we have within us.

The second stage is the Catechumenate. This begins in Advent (about one month before Christmas) with our first Rite – the Rite of Acceptance. The Inquirer, if he or she is decides to continue, becomes a Catechumen. This stage can last more than one season. It ends when the Catechumen is ready to be baptized. Normally, this stage continues until the beginning of Lent. This is the learning stage. Catholic topics such as Sacraments are explained as well as other general Christian topics such as prayer. Dismissals begin at the beginning of this stage which is marked by theRite of Acceptance. Each Sunday, we attend Mass, where the Catechumen are “dismissed” after the homily to go as a group to discuss the scripture they just heard and to break it open further. We apply the Word of God to our everyday lives. It does so much good to delve into the scripture and to share with each other. We grow by leaps and bounds!

On the first Sunday in Lent, the Rite of Election is held and the “Catechumen” become the “Elect”. This begins the stage of Purification and Enlightenment. The Catechumen enter this stage only after it has been determined they are ready for Baptism. This is a more intense period of preparation which has 3 minor rites within it. The First, Second, and Third Scrutinies are held on the 3rd, 4th and 5th Sundays of Lent. They are held at different Masses so that we can witness to the parishioners and have them become acquainted to the newest members of our parish. Each of the Elect are preparing their hearts to be fully initiated at the Easter Vigil which is just a few short weeks away. Their Sponsor speaks for them: “they are ready.”

At the Easter Vigil (the night before Easter Sunday), those ready for Baptism, will receive their full initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and First Holy Eucharist. Their sins washed completely away, they shine with the Light of Christ and become a full, true member of God’s Family through St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. From here on out they are welcome at the Table of the Lord (to receive Holy Communion) and to participate in the Sacraments.

SPONSORS

Each person will have a Sponsor – someone who is willing to walk with their candidate through all the preparations for Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. If you have someone in mind who is a fully initiated Catholic (practicing Catholic), and who is willing to come with you, that’s great, but if you don’t, we have some people who are very willing to walk with you through this Journey of Faith. Parents can’t be sponsors, but husbands and wives can.

FOR THOSE MARRIED MORE THAN ONCE (OR WHO HAVE SPOUSES MARRIED MORE THAN ONCE)

These situations can be obstacles to a smooth entry into the Church. It may take a little longer to happen, but it most assuredly will happen with patience, faith and a little effort. Please don’t let it keep you from beginning your walk to Full Communion with the Catholic Church. Many people have faced this obstacle and overcome it and are now happy Catholics, but it takes some time. You should make an appointment with Fr. Jorge immediately for a discussion if you or your spouse has been married more than once. The Parish Office number is 760-934-6276.