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What is the R.C.I.A? The RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is a process whereby those interested in learning about the Catholic faith come together on a weekly basis to learn about Scriptures and the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, at the same time, to discover where God is present in their lives.
The process is designed for adults who are: • not baptized • Baptized in another • tradition • Baptized Catholics who have not received Holy Eucharist or Confirmation
Let’s take a look at. . . • Rite • Christian • Initiation • Adults
Rite • “Any repetitive ceremonial activity with fixed rules; also, a particular ritual ceremony.” • (HarperCollins Encyclopedia of Catholicism) • A public liturgical act of the Church.
Christian • Relating to the person of Jesus Christ • His life • His teachings • His mission • His saving life, death & • resurrection • His Church
Initiation • “The rites, ceremonies, ordeals, or instructions with which one is made a member of a sect or society or is invested with a particular function or status.”(Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary) • Military, service organization, etc.
Adults • In Church terms, an “adult” is someone who has reached the “age of reason,” about age 7. At St. Mary’s, we have RCIA sessions adults/youth age 16 and older, adults who speak Spanish primarily or exclusively.
The First Period The Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate Also known as the Period of Inquiry, it is a time for: • Asking questions about the Catholic faith • Building community within the group • Developing a trusting atmosphere
The First Period The Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate More importantly, it is a time for: • Examining God’s presence in our lives, past and present • Fostering conversion • Learning about prayer • Developing or improving our relationship • with God • Getting to know his Church
The First Step Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens • The Rite of Acceptance is the first rite of the RCIA process for those who are not baptized. • It takes place within the context of Sunday Mass. • Those wishing to enter into the second period of RCIA (Catechumenate or Study Period) make a public commitment to accept the way of the cross. • The worshiping community, the members of the parish family, publically welcome the unbaptised Inquirers and promise to support them in their ongoing journey of faith.
The First Step (a) The Rite of Welcoming the Candidates • The Rite of Acceptance is the first rite of the RCIA process for those who are baptized. • It takes place within the context of Sunday Mass with the Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens • The baptized Inquirers are now referred to as Candidates, and are known by this title for the rest of the RCIA process. • The Candidates make a public commitment to accept the way of the cross. The worshiping community, the members of the parish family, publicly welcome the Candidates and promise to support them in their ongoing journey of faith.
The Second Period The Period of the Catechumenate • A Catechumen (from Latin catechumenus, Greek κατηχουμεѵоς, instructed) is receiving instruction in the principles of the Christian religion with a view to baptism. • It is for this reason that those who are already baptized in another Christian faith are not known as Catechumens, but rather Candidates. • The Catechumenate is an extended period during which the candidates are given suitable pastoral formation and guidance, aimed at training them in Christian life.
This is achieved in four ways: • Suitable catechesis; solidly supported by celebrations of the Word. • The Catechumens are learning to: - Turn more readily to God in prayer - To bear witness to the Faith - In all things to keep their hopes set on Christ - To follow supernatural inspiration in their deeds - To practice love of neighbor, even at the cost of self-renunciation • Suitable liturgical rites, which purify the Catechumens little by little and strengthen blessing; including celebrations of the Word. • Learning to work actively with others to spread the Gospel
The Second Period The Period of the Catechumenate The Catechumenate is a time for: • “Breaking Open the Word” – reading and discussing the Sunday Gospel • Continuing to build community within the group • Getting more involved in parish activities, getting to know the parish community • Learning about the basic teachings and beliefs of the Catholic Church More importantly, it is a time for: • Continuing to examine God’s presence in our lives, past and present • Developing prayer life, entering into communal worship of the parish • Fostering conversion • Developing or improving our relationship with God
The conclusion of this period leads into the Second Step (third period), namely the Election or Enrolment of Names for the Catechumens and the Rite of Calling the Candidates to Continuing Conversion for the Candidates.
The Second Step Election or Enrollment of Names and The Rite of Calling Candidates to Continued • Both are celebrations that are usually held at the Diocesan Cathedral on a particular date, presided over by the local Bishop. • Those wishing to be baptized or received into full communion with the Catholic Church come together, often on the same day. • Their names are publicly declared to all present. • This signifies their intention to be initiated at the Easter Vigil. • The Bishop joyfully welcomes those to be baptized as children of God, as well as those who have already been baptized but seek full communion with the Catholic Church. • The Catechumens are now referred to as The Elect.
The Third Period The Period of Purification and Enlightenment The Period of Purification and Enlightenment is a time for: • Repentance • Examining areas of sinfulness and weakness in our lives • Asking for God’s help in healing these areas • Prayer, fasting, and almsgiving • Preparation for receiving the Sacraments of Initiation
The Third Period The Period of Purification and Enlightenment • This period tends to correspond with Lent and is intended to be a period of increased introspection and coming closer to God. • The aim of the period is to eliminate what is weak and sinful; and reaffirm what is holy. During this period the Catechumens undertake: • The three Scrutinies • (3rd, 4th, and 5th Sundays of Lent) During this period the Candidates prepare for: • The Sacrament of Reconciliation
The Man Born Blind John 11: 1-45 The Woman at the Well John 4: 4-42 The Transfiguration Matt 17:1-9 The Lenten Gospels From Year A The Temptation of Jesus in the Desert Matt 4:1-11 The Raising of Lazarus John 11: 1-45
The Third Period The Period of Purification and Enlightenment • Presentation of the Creed (3rd Week of Lent) • Holy Thursday – The Washing of Feet • Holy Friday – Service, Veneration of • the Cross • Holy Saturday • Morning Prayer • Presentation of the Our Father
The Third Step The Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation • on the night of the Easter Vigil-the night we celebrate new life through death – the celebration of the three sacraments takes place • the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist (Holy Communion), and Confirmation. • The Elect celebrate all of these via the Rite of Initiation • The Candidates (having already been baptized) celebrate Eucharist and Confirmation during the Easter season via the Rite of Reception of Baptized Christians into the full Communion of the Catholic Church. • The Elect are now called Neophytes, and are considered to be full members of the Catholic Church. Our new members of the Church community move on to the Period of Mystagogia.
The Fourth Phase The Period of Mystagogia The Period of Mystagogia is a time for: • Living a sacramental life • Living out the Gospel way of life • Becoming more involved in the Parish The topics often discussed at this stage are: • Evangelization • Stewardship • Lay Ministry • The Sunday Gospel for eight weeks of the Easter season, including Pentecost, are discussed and what they mean in the context of our lives.
On behalf of… and our RCIA Team Members 0ur R.C.I.A. Director Debbie Castillo Our Pastor Father Vaughn Winters Facilitators Steve and Mary Rose Toll Facilitator Diane Ramos Facilitator Sherry Phillips Welcome to R.C.I.A.
So, where are we now? The Inquiry period: • This is the starting place for adults who are thinking about entering the Catholic Church • You are just finding out about Jesus, Christianity, and the Catholic Church. • Talk to people, walk around in our shoes, get a feel for the place • Your main task here is to develop your faith a little bit. Get to know Christ, prayer, the Catholic Church, and how Christians live.
What’s Next? (Suggestions) • Ask, ask, ask! This is a serious step. Do not be afraid to ask questions. If we cannot answer them, we will get you an answer • Pray, pray, pray. Ask God for faith and guidance • Complete the information packet. Remember, you don’t “have to do” anything, but this will begin the paperwork process if you are ready (if baptized, we will need a copy of your baptismal certificate) • You may want to begin thinking about a sponsor. This is someone who acts as a guide as you journey in faith • Keep coming to Inquiry with your questions • If you were previously married, make an appointment with a priest.
Major Questions to Consider? Does God exist? If God is real, how will I respond? Why do I exist? Does life have meaning? If so, what is it? Who is Jesus? What do I think of him? Can I really have a personal relationship with Jesus? Is Christ the only way? Why call God Father? What is the Catholic Church, and why should I enter it? Why do I keep doing things I know to be wrong? How should I live?
