RCIA Resources

NOTE: A rehearsal for the Call to Continuing Conversion and Rite of Election will be held on Thursday, February 8 at the Cathedral at 10:00 am, and at Our Lady of Fatima, Modesto at 7:30 p.m.. The rehearsal is for Team Leaders and Team Members only. Candidates, catechumens and sponsors do not attend the rehearsal.

The Call to Continuing Conversion and Day of Reflection is Saturday, February 17 at Our Lady of Fatima in Modesto, from 8:45 – 3:30. All adult candidates and catechumens are invited along with their sponsors and team members (at least one team member from each parish is required to attend). Registration is to be completed online: https://goo.gl/forms/Z8RFj11r4m62WcPw1 ​

The Rites of Election are on Sunday, February 18 and Tuesday, February 20 at the Cathedral of the Annunciation in Stockton. You can find the time each parish is assigned to by clicking here: 2018 Rites of Election Assignment

Can children come to these events?

The Day of Reflection is best suited to those who can participate in a long form conference type day. We generally recommend that participants be at least 16 years of age, though there is no cut off and final choices are left to the parish.

The Rite of Election is a Liturgy of the Word that lasts approximately one hour. It is a time when all catechumens who will be initiated at Easter come to be called to the Easter mysteries, regardless of age. All catechumens are welcome, and all family members who wish to attend are welcome to come with them.

Why do sponsors need to attend?

In both the Call to Continuing Conversion (for candidates) and the Rite of Election (for catechumens), the sponsors attest to the readiness of the person to enter into the sacraments of initiation. The Rites both expect sponsors to be present. During the Day of Reflection, sponsors and candidates/catechumens are invited to share with each other at several points, and to accompany each other on the retreat day.

What exactly is the “Day of Reflection?”

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults requires each candidate/catechumen to participate in a retreat day prior to initiation. The Day of Reflection is the way the Diocese of Stockton offers this retreat day. During the Day of Reflection, Bishop Stephen Blaire, the Bishop of Stockton, and Sr. Gloria DeJesús, the Chancellor of the Diocese, lead participants in a reflection on the meaning and call of the “Our Father.” The Day is offered in English and in Spanish. An outline of the day is at the bottom of this page.

Do we have to attend these events?

Participation in the Call to Continuing Conversion and the Day of Reflection is strongly encouraged for candidates and catechumens, but is not required if they are participating in another form of a retreat day prior to initiation.

However, participation in the Rite of Election is REQUIRED for all catechumens who will be initiated this year.

8:30 a.m.            Registration/Hospitality Available
8:45 a.m.            Gathering in the Gym (English) and Church (Spanish)
9:00 a.m.            Call to Continuing Conversion
10:00 a.m.          Day of Reflection Begins
12:30  p.m.         Lunch on your own
1:30  p.m.           Day of Reflection Continues
3:30  p.m.           Day Concludes