WELCOME HOME!
Please contact Dennae Petrlich, Director of Religious Education, for more information about this wonderful and life changing experience!  email: dpetrlich@stjosephtrenton.com or call 734-676-9082 Ext. 22

If you are an adult interested in learning more about the Catholic Church with the possibility of becoming a member by celebrating the sacraments of initiation (baptism and/or communion and confirmation), The R.C.I.A. process is for you! Whether you were baptized Catholic as a baby and never completed your formation in the Church, are a strong non-Catholic Christian looking to delve into the richness of Catholicism for the first time, are from other non-Christian belief systems, or have never prayed a day in your life, the Rites of Christian Initiation for Adults will meet you where you are at in your search for Truth and journey with you closer to the heart of Jesus and His one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. Designed to unpack what it is that Catholics believe the RCIA is. A more in depth explanation of the stages of the process are below for those interested in learning more about what the R.C.I.A. entails We hope that you will join us! Contact Dennae Petrlich at the parish office to learn more or to set up an appointment to register today, 734-676-9082 Ext. 22.
First Step: Initial Intake
For those interested in beginning the RCIA process, the first step is contacting Dennae in the parish office. A meeting time will be arranged to get to know you and your faith background as well as how the Lord has been working in your life to bring you to this point. Any questions you have will be answered and an overview of the process for you to learn more about the Church will be explained. A general intake form will be filled out to officially register you in the process at St. Joseph Catholic Church.
Phase 1 - Inquiry
This first period of the RCIA process provides the opportunity for inquirers (un-baptized or baptized) to hear the mystery of Christ proclaimed, ask questions, share experiences, and begin to feel at home in the faith community. Seeking the wisdom of Jesus in the Catholic Church together, we discover new-found meaning, hope, love, and faith. Formally named the “period of evangelization and the precatechumenate”, this is a period of indeterminate length that ends when it is decided that an inquirer is ready to participate in the celebration of the Rites of Acceptance and Welcoming
reaching the point of initial conversion and wishing to become Christians, they are accepted as catechumens by the Church (RCIA 6.1) The combined Rites of Acceptance (for those preparing for Baptism) and of Welcoming (for those who have already been baptized) mark the first gateway towards the Easter sacraments. These special rites are celebrated in the presence of our parish community here at St. Joseph.  As they publicly declare their intention to continue journeying toward full communion with the Catholic Church, inquirers are invited to more fully embrace the Gospel message with the help of God and are signed with the Cross to show that they belong to Christ. 
Phase 2 - Catechumenate
Having its root in the Greek “katechien” meaning “echoing down” this extended period of formation in the Christian life is devoted to passing on the deposit of faith given to the apostles by Jesus Christ and entrusted to His Church. It includes a thoroughly comprehensive catechesis on the truths of Catholic doctrine and moral life so that participants may come to understand, confess and live that faith as a disciple of Christ. 
Reflection on the Word
Adults who have entered into a relationship with the Church through the Rite of Acceptance. Dismissal provides the RCIA group an opportunity to discuss the Mass readings for that Sunday with a facilitator, and to experience more fully the impact of the Scriptures in their lives.
Rite of Election & Call to Continued Conversion
"Having progressed in faith and nearly completed the catechumenate, they are accepted into a more intense preparation for the sacraments of initiation" (RCIA 6.2) Across the entire world, Catholic bishops welcome those sent by the parish to gather together with their sponsors in what is known as the Rite of Election and the Call to Continuing Conversion on the first Sunday of Lent. Celebrated at Blessed Sacrement Cathedral with all catechumens and candidates of the Diocese, these rites announce that seekers are ready to celebrate the Easter sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist and will enter into a 40-day period of purification and enlightenment that coincides with the 40 days of Lent.
Phase 3 - Purification and Enlightenment
During this period, a shift in focus from instructional catechesis to interior reflection is intended to enlighten the heart and mind with a deep knowledge of Christ the Savior. This time of solemn spiritual preparation is spent in reflection, spiritual reading, prayer, fasting, penance, and acts of charity.
Scrutinies
The Scrutinies are celebrated during the 10:30am Mass on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th Sundays of Lent for those who are preparing for the sacrament of Baptism. These Rites are celebrated to help deliver the elect from the power of sin and Satan, to protect them against temptation, and to give them strength in Christ, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. 
Rite of Reception - Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation
"Having completed their spiritual preparation, they receive the sacraments of initiation". (RCIA 6.3) Finally, the great night arrives - the night of the Easter Vigil where the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist are celebrated. The Elect are baptized into the Body of Christ and are joined by the candidates seeking full reception into the Catholic Church to be sealed with the Holy Spirit in Confirmation and welcomed at the Eucharistic Table of our Lord for the first time in Holy Communion!
Phase 4 - Mystagogy
Formation in the Catholic faith and life does not end with the Rite of Reception. Derived from the word mystery, mystagogy (literally a “deepening in the mysteries”) is a time of post-baptismal catechesis for continued spiritual growth, entering more fully into the life and unity of the Catholic community, and strengthening the Christian experience, especially in appreciation for the sacramental life. Although unwrapping the riches of the mysteries we proclaim is a lifelong journey for all of us, formal mystagogy as a part of the RCIA process continues throughout the Easter season.