What is RCIA?
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, or RCIA, is a communal process for formal initiation of new members into the Catholic Church. This process is a return to the formation of the earliest members of the Church in the first and second centuries.
We will begin an RCIA series with an informational meeting.. This is an opportunity for adults to look at the teachings of the Catholic Church as they decide to if they want to become members, and also for any adult Catholics that want to complete their Sacraments of Initiation; Holy Eucharist and/or Confirmation. The series of discussions and presentations will be presented in a weekly format concluding at the Easter Vigil.
The first meeting is an informational meeting. Its purpose is to answer specific questions regarding RCIA and to document information about each of the candidates. We meet twice a week. The Sunday meeting begins with the first part of the 11:15 AM Mass. The candidates will listen to the scripture readings of the day along with the homily, and then they will be formally escorted out of church by one of the RCIA team members, as they gather to discuss what they have heard in the Scripture readings and how God spoke to them through the Scripture of the day. We call this “Breaking Open the Word”. This session concludes about the same time that the Mass ends.
We also meet on Tuesday evenings from 7:30 to 9:00 PM in the JPII Center.
Our team of Catechists have a great deal of experience in helping people fully understand the Catholic Church and how it is a major means in bringing people closer in their relationship with God through Jesus Christ. We look forward to serving you through this process. If you have any questions or concerns that you would like to discuss please contact me at: mchavez@stolivers.com. See the bulletin for class dates.
Blessings,
Deacon Mike Chavez and RCIA Team
mchavez@stolivers.com
All are Welcome!
RCIA is a Journey
List of Services
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Pre-CatechumenateList Item 1
This is the earliest phase in the process; it is also known as the Period of Inquiry. Catechumens and Candidates acknowledge that Christ is calling them into the Church through the movement of the Holy Spirit. This is a time for seeking and reflection.
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Rite of InitiationList Item 2
The first Rite in the RCIA process, the Rite of Initiation accepts new members into the worshipping community.
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CatechumenateList Item 3
The longest part of the process, the Catechumenate is a time of learning and formation in the traditions and doctrine of the Catholic Church. This is a time for sharing stories, reading scripture, and studying the Church customs, traditions and doctrine. Participants also participate in worship services and various Church rituals.
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Rite of ElectionList Item 4
Catechumens and Candidates are chosen to be received by the bishop and the community and to receive the Sacraments of Initiation at Easter.
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Sacraments of Initiation
At the Easter Vigil (Holy Saturday), all newly elected members of the community who have been journeying through the RCIA process are welcomed formally into the community of believers through receiving the Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.
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Mystagogy
This is a time of reflection and celebration after the formal reception into the Catholic Church. Mystagogia means “leading into the mystery” and it is a time to explore the deep mystery of our faith and go forth to help build the reign of God on Earth as new members of the faithful.
