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The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is a formal program of catechetical instruction, ascetical practice (prayer and spirituality), and liturgies whereby adults– called catechumens– are formally admitted into the Church and receive the Sacraments of Initiation– Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist. (The Sacrament of Penance is received later since baptism washes away all sin– original sin and actual sin.) The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy of the Second Vatican Council decreed, “The catechumenate for adults, comprising several distinct steps, is to be restored and brought into use at the discretion of the local ordinary. By this means the time of the catechumenate, which is intended as a period of suitable instruction, may be sanctified by sacred rites to be celebrated at successive intervals of time” (#64).