Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults
Becoming Catholic -----
Are you interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith?
Are you unbaptized, but recognize a need for spirituality in your life?
Are you a baptized Catholic or baptized in another religion but never received any formal religious education?
Are you married to a Catholic and attend mass, but just don't know what the next step is to becoming Catholic?
Are you yearning for something more in your life?
Maybe you have been looking for enrichment in your life. Maybe we are the place to start.
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is the place for you. Every year adults are welcomed in the Catholic Community through RCIA. It is a learning and living process in which conversion of the heart brings you to Jesus Christ who is our Lord and Savior. "Come to me all you who are weary and find life burdensome and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon your shoulders and learn from me for I am gentle and humble of heart. Your souls will find rest, for my yoke is easy and my burden light." Mt. 11: 28-30.
It is through the Sacrament of Baptism, that we as Christians, define our identity and membership in the Catholic Church.
Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion are known as Sacraments of Initiation. If an individual is unbaptized, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the avenue by which that individual prepares for the Sacraments through education and faith discernment. These sacraments are celebrated on the eve of Easter Sunday in a service known as the Easter Vigil.
The process begins each September and involves weekly sessions in a faith journey shared with a sponsor. The participants move deeper and deeper into an understanding of the great treasures of Catholicism while growing in appreciation of all that it has to offer. Scripture is employed extensively to assist the process, which leads to the Forty Days of Lent and a deepening faith and love of God. These sessions are shared with others who are on the same journey, both baptized and unbaptized.
RCIA Sessions are held on Thursday in the Multi Purpose Building. The sessions are divided into three steps. Each step is celebrated by a Rite marking spiritual growth and understanding of our God.
The first step, Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate, involves reflection on how we relate and communicate with God in a personal way and how we do this in Church. This allows participants to open their hearts to God and to be present to Him. This step is marked by the Rite of Acceptance, whereby the Catechumen (unbaptized) and Candidate (baptized in another faith) state that they want to learn more about God and the Catholic Church.
The second step, Period of Cathechumenate, is an overview of the structure and sacraments of the Catholic Church. Sessions are presented on what the Church teaches, regarding social justice, Holy Scripture, morality and what it means to live a Christian life. This step is marked by the Rite of Election. The Catechumens and Candidates are present to Bishop Gregory Aymond and the church accepts them to come into the Church at the Easter Vigil.
The third step is the Period of Purification and Enlightenment. This is during the Lenten Season, a time of preparation for reception of the Sacraments, and a time for coming to a full understanding of what it means to live life as a Christian in full communion with the Catholic Church.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What if I am already a baptized Christian? If you have been baptized in another Christian faith, you may be received into the Catholic Church through a Profession of Faith, at the Easter Vigil. We do not re-baptize if you were baptized in the name of the Trinity and with flowing water. Other Sacraments of Initiation for a baptized person are: Reconciliation, Confirmation, and Holy Communion.
What if I am baptized Cahtolic but have never received other Sacraments or practiced my faith? Through the RCIA process you would receive the sacraments of Reconciliation, and at Easter Vigil, Confirmation, and Holy Communion.
Why does it take so long? Making a decision for Christ, whether it is Baptism or a Profession of Faith is a very important life choice. The RCIA process through sharing and teaching give each individual the best opportunity to make that choice based on sound information, and above all, prayer!