About the RCIA

Rcia Milestones

When adults wish to become members of the Catholic Church, they must participate in the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, or RCIA. As a part of that process, several events take place in front of the congregational body of the Church, two of which are the Rite of Sending and the Call to Continuing Conversion.

Rite Of Sending

Near or on the first Sunday of Lent in the Diocese of Trenton, catechumens – those who will be baptized, confirmed and receive First Eucharist during the Easter Vigil – are first recognized by what will become their parish community during the Rite of Sending. During Mass attended with their sponsors, they are prayed for, blessed and sent forth to the Rite of Election where Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., receives the catechumens. It is also during the Rite of Sending where the catechumens sign the Book of the Elect, a formal record of the names of those from the parish who are preparing for Baptism.

Rite Of Call To Continuing Conversion

Candidates for full communion in the Catholic Church – those baptized Christians who wish to become full members of the Catholic Church – are recognized in the Call to Continuing Conversion, a parallel rite to the Rite of Sending that is held in the parishes. These Christians are called to ongoing conversion as they prepare for Confirmation and Eucharist. This year, the Diocese reports having 65 non-Catholic candidates and 330 Catholic candidates who are taking part in the Call to Continuing Conversion in their parishes, marking the beginning of a time of intense spiritual preparation leading up to the Easter Vigil when they will receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.