Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a process developed by the Catholic Church for prospective converts to Catholicism who are above the age of infant baptism. Candidates are  introduced to aspects of Catholic beliefs and practices over the period of a few months.

The group meets on Sunday morning after Mass from 9:15 to 10:30 AM at St. Mary's Presentation Parish in Deer Park. 

An Outline of the Stages of the RCIA Process Period of Inquiry or Pre-catechumenate:
Inquirers are invited to deepen their understanding of how God is active in their lives, and begin to learn what the Catholic Church believes, teaches and proclaims to be revealed by God.
Rites of Acceptance and Welcome (mid-November): Inquirers are recognized by the Church as genuinely seeking greater instruction and formation. Dismissals begin, where RCIA participants depart Sunday Mass after the homily to go study the Word of God together.

Period of the Catechumenate: The catechumens (non-baptized) and candidates (baptized) reflect more deeply on the Gospel of Jesus, His Church, and their personal journeys of faith.
Rite of Election (mid-February): The catechumens are welcomed by the bishop and declared “elect” in the eyes of the Church—as legitimately seeking baptism. Candidates are blessed by the bishop.
Period of Purification and Enlightenment (Lent): Those elected for Baptism together with the candidates deepen their prayer and examine their lives more closely as they prepare to celebrate the Sacraments of Initiation.
Rites of Initiation (Easter): The elect and candidates profess their faith and receive their Sacraments of Initiation at the Vigil of Easter, welcomed into full communion with the Catholic Church.
Period of Mystagogy: The newly initiated persons reflect further on the mystery of the Easter Sacraments and become more integrated into the community of the Church as faith-filled and active disciples of the Lord.