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Evangelization and Ecumenism
The purpose of the Evangelization and Ecumenism
Committee is to encourage and promote participation
in the Catholic Faith as well as reaching out to the
broader faith community and to develop opportunities
for ecumenical cooperation, understanding, and
prayer.
Contact:
Wish Long or Debby Kiser
evangelizationandecumenism@sthenry.org |
Come Home
Outreach to Inactive Catholics. Catholics who have
been away
from the church and are seeking a way to
come back are encouraged to participate. A series of
informal gatherings are held to address any issues
that can possibly help guide them in their journey
back to the Catholic Church.
Contact:
Church Office 352-2259 or
comehome@sthenry.org |
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Learn About RCIA |
 Are
You . . .
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Interested in becoming Catholic?
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A Catholic who wishes to receive Confirmation
and/or First Eucharist?
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Interested in helping someone you know become
fully initiated in the Catholic faith in the
sponsorship program?
Then
RCIA is for you!
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is
a program for adults who desire to become fully
initiated members of the Catholic Church. The goal
of the RCIA process is full, conscious, and active
participation in an exciting life with Jesus Christ
within His Catholic Church. RCIA helps adults grow
in their relationship with God, become familiar with
Catholic teachings and practices, get acquainted
with the faith community, and get involved in
service within the community as a whole.
And, if you are a fully initiated Catholic, you can
sponsor a RCIA catechumen or candidate. A sponsor is
a friend or companion who can help the catechumens
and candidates. A sponsor is a practicing member of
the parish.
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A
Four Step Process... |
Step
1: Period of Inquiry
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Unique to each individual
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Time for asking questions
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Time to intensely examine one's personal
relationship with God
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Sponsors accompany catechumens and candidates on
their journey
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Step 2: Period of Catechumenate
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Begins with the Rite of Acceptance & Welcoming
into the Order of Catechumens
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Time of learning the teachings of the Church and
beginning to accept Catholic teachings and
practices
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Sponsors accompany catechumens and candidates on
their journey
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 Step 3: Period
of Purification and Enlightenment
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Begins with Rite of Election
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Catechumens are now called the Elect
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Time of intense preparation during Lent to
celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus at Easter
and to receive the Sacraments of Initiation
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Step 4: Period
of Mystagogia
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Begins with the reception of the Sacraments of
Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist
during the Easter Season
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Time of reflection on the commitment made to the
Lord, the Church, and the faith community
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Time of finding a place in the community and
getting involved
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Catechumen or Candidate?
Many people who want to join the Catholic Church
have already been baptized in another Christian
church. They do not need to be baptized again. They
will follow a form of these four steps adapted to
their particular needs and concerns.
Others may have been baptized in the Catholic Church
and need to complete the sacraments of Initiation by
receiving First Eucharist and/or Confirmation. All
will have an opportunity to grow in their
relationship with God and learn more about the faith
before receiving these Sacraments.
Unbaptized persons are known as Catechumens. Those
already baptized are called Candidates.
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So
are YOU ready for the journey?
If so, then contact the RCIA office to learn more
about the program.
RCIA sessions are held weekly on Tuesday evenings
from 7:00pm to 9:00pm in the St. Henry
Fellowship Hall
from September to May.
CLICK HERE to download the Basic Information
for Inquirers form.
CLICK
HERE to see the
2011-2012 schedule.
For more information, contact the RCIA office at
352-2766 or email Deacon Greg Meinhart at
gmeinhart@sthenry.org.
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