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, please call the rectory at 925-2007 or fill our the application and bring it by the office.
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (SeeHoly Communion link for Children)Our Sunday liturgical celebration and worship is the focal point of our Catholic faith. But we must do more to be considered practicing and witnessing Catholics. Each day calls us to live our faith fully.
Are you aware that each day everyone is called to conversion? Even long-time Catholics have an ongoing responsibility
To regularly examine their relationship to God, others, and themselves, and
To pray for the grace to improve these relationships
To know the Catholic faith by being knowledgeable in the faith
To talk about the way the Lord touches your life
To take the initiative to invite alienated Catholics to return to the church
In the past it was not Catholic custom to talk about personal prayer life or faith experiences. Today we believe that others can more readily know the Lord when we openly discuss our faith. Our Lord himself had this to say about sharing our faith: "No one after ligting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lamp stand, and it gives light to all. Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works." Matthew 5:15-16
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.
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