RCIA

ARE YOU . . .

· Interested in becoming Catholic?

· A Catholic who wishes to receive Confirmation and/or First Eucharist?

· 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.

A FOUR STEP PROCESS...

STEP 1: PERIOD OF INQUIRY

· Unique to each individual

· Time for asking questions

· Time to intensely examine one's personal relationship with God

· Sponsors accompany catechumens and candidates on their journey

STEP 2: PERIOD OF CATECHUMENATE

· Begins with the Rite of Acceptance & Welcoming into the Order of Catechumens

· Time of learning the teachings of the Church and beginning to accept Catholic teachings and practices

· Sponsors accompany catechumens and candidates on their journey

STEP 3: PERIOD OF PURIFICATION AND ENLIGHTENMENT

· Begins with Rite of Election

· Catechumens are now called the Elect

· Time of intense preparation during Lent to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus at Easter and to receive the Sacraments of Initiation

STEP 4: PERIOD OF MYSTAGOGIA

· Begins with the reception of the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist during the Easter Season

· Time of reflection on the commitment made to the Lord, the Church, and the faith community

· Time of finding a place in the community and getting involved

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.

So are YOU ready for the journey?

If so, then contact the RCIA office to learn more about RCIA.

RCIA sessions are held weekly on Tuesday evenings from 7:30pm to 9:30pm in the St. Henry school dining hall from September to May.

For more information, contact the RCIA office at 352-2766 or email Deacon Jack Srouji at jsrouji@sthenry.org.