RCIA
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UNBAPTIZED? OR BAPTIZED & DESIRING COMPLETION OF THE SACRAMENTS?
Are you a baptized Catholic or Christian from another faith background wanting to complete your 1st Communion and Confirmation? Or, are you 16 years of age or older & un-baptized? Have you ever wanted to learn more about the Catholic faith or thought about becoming Catholic? If so, RCIA is for you.
What really is RCIA? It stands for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, the process by which adults ordinarily become full-fledged Catholics. It is primarily a process, but one that is filled with rites, ceremonies, and celebrations with prescribed words and focus. Reception of the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist ordinarily occurs during Easter Vigil.RCIA is not a new concept. Rather it is the method by which people came into the Church in the first centuries. Vatican II restored this ancient practice because the church is a community of believers, and it is through sharing and praying together that Catholics find a way to live out their faith lives.
Rite of Christian Initiation - Adapted for Children & Teens.
If you have children over the age of 6 who are not baptized or catechized and you are seeking the sacraments of Baptism, First Eucharist, and Confirmation, Welcome!!!!!
We look forward to walking the journey of faith with you and your family. Please contact the Office of Religious Education at 805-925-2007 or [email protected] to set a date to meet.
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Basic concepts of RCIA:
- Conversion is a process
- Becoming Catholic is coming into a community of believers
- RCIA takes place in an experience of community
- RCIA stages are celebrated in community with appropriate liturgical rites.
- RCIA follows the liturgical seasons through a lectionary-based approach
RCIA involves four stages:
- Inquiry
- Catechumenate
- Enlightenment/Purification
- Mystagogy
Inquiry Stage
- During the Inquiry stage, people get acquainted and get answers to their questions.
- People in this phase are called "Inquirers"
Catechumenate Stage
- During the Catechumenate stage, formal instruction in the Catholic faith takes place
- Catechumens are those who are not Baptized
- Candidates are those who are Baptized
Enlightenment and Purification Stage
- Coincides with the Lenten season
- Time of prayer, spiritual renewal, reconciliation, celebreation of scrutinies
Mystagogy Stage
- Now in full communion with the Catholic Church people enter more deeply into the Paschal mystery by examining the Scripture readings for the Sunday
- Neophytes (new Catholics) are encouraged to become actively involved in specific ministries in parish life.
Rites provide a transition between each of the stages. There are three Rites:
- Rite of Acceptance
- Rite of Election
- Rite of Initiation
The ultimate RCIA goal: develop a personal relationship with Jesus, witness to Him and serve others
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