The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) became mandatory in the United States in 1988. RCIA is our adaptation of Christian initiation as it was practiced in the early Church. And so, although these rites are not new, to many they are unfamiliar. This deluxe pamphlet explains RCIA in a way that will help both catechumens and "cradle Catholics" understand the rich tradition of Christian Initiation for adults.