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RCIA - Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults
Summer Inquiry Schedule (7:00-8:30 pm in the Parish Life Center)
June 3 June 17
July 8 July 22
Monday April 22 7:00-8:30 Models Questionaire Click Here for This Handout
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults is a formation process designed for adults who are considering joining the Catholic Church. Through a program consisting of presentations, discussions, study, prayer and participation in the life of the parish, individuals learn the beliefs, teachings and traditions of the Roman Catholic Church and prepare to celebrate the sacraments of Initiation, Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.
Inquiry (also known as the pre-Catechumenate) is the first step in the process. It is exactly what the name suggests-a time to ask questions about Catholic faith and practice. Inquiry meetings are shaped by the questions and experiences of those who are participating. The transition from the period of Inquiry into more formal preparation for the sacraments of initiation is celebrated through the Rite of Acceptance (non-baptized persons) or the Rite of Welcome (for those baptized in another Christian tradition). More formal preparation for the sacraments of initiation takes place during a period known as the Catechumenate. This is a time for the community to systematically and thoroughly present the Catholic faith to the catechumens (unbaptized person) and candidates (baptized person).
Lent is a special time for those preparing for baptism. The catechumens, based on the recommendation of their sponsors and the community are “sent” to the Rite of Election, celebrated by our bishop early in Lent. The bishop, based on these recommendations, declares the catechumens ready for the Easter sacraments. From that point until their initiation, they are known as the Elect. Their preparation shifts in tone and is known as the Period of Purification and Enlightenment. The Elect are baptized at the Easter Vigil.
The newly initiated aren’t “done” after celebrating the sacraments, but enter into a time called Mystagogy. They continue to learn and understand their faith, but from a different perspective because they have experienced the sacramental life of the church as well as studied it.
Sponsors and RCIA team members are very important to the initiation process. RCIA team members support the overall process by serving as greeters, ministers of hospitality, table discussion leaders and topic presenters.
Sponsors support a particular catechumen (person preparing for Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) or candidate (baptized person seeking to enter into full communion of the Catholic Church). Ideally a sponsor attends RCIA meetings with the catechumen or candidate, prays with and for them and acquaints them with parish life. They assist their catechumen or candidate in discerning when to celebrate the various rites that mark the RCIA faith journey.
RCIA meets:
Monday evenings in the Parish Life Center room 51/53 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm.
The Parish Life Center Room 51/53 can be reached by using the entrance closest to the ball fields.
For information about the R.C.I.A. process, please contact Nancy Goldfarb at nancy@hspgeist.org or 585-1257.