R.C.I.A.

Interested in the Catholic Church?

If you are interested in learning more about or becoming part of The Catholic Faith or if you are a Catholic who needs to complete their Sacraments of Initiation this is the place for you!

Who is RCIA for?

RCIA is for adults who are interested in becoming fully initiated into the Catholic Church. This would include anyone who is not baptized, or for a person who was baptized into another faith denomination and would like to become Catholic. It is also for baptized Catholics who have not received the Eucharist (First Communion) and Confirmation.

What is RCIA?

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) program is one that models the process of conversion and is marked by different stages and rites (ceremonies).
The process is for non-baptized adults (catechumens) and baptized Christians (candidates) are fully initiated into the Catholic Church. RCIA is first and foremost an opportunity for people to develop or deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ. During this process each participant will learn about the doctrine of the Catholic faith, and have opportunities to get questions answered. If they should desire, a person may enter into full communion with the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil or other appropriate time.
 

Period of Pre-Evangelization and Inquiry?

During the period of precatechumenate, those interested in joining the Catholic Church are considered “inquirers.” Their draw to the truth and beauty of Catholic teaching has moved them to desire to know more about the Catholic faith—both its doctrines and its practice. This is a time for inquirers to receive preliminary instruction in the gospel message and Church teaching. It is the start of their journey and the beginning of faith formation and foundation.
 

Period of Catechumanate?

The Period of the Catechumenate begins with The Rite of Acceptance. During this rite, the parish community welcomes the catechumens—those seeking baptism as well as the other sacraments of initiation--and candidates—those who have been baptized into another Christian faith and seeking full communion with the Catholic Church—into the official period of preparation. During this ritual, catechumens and candidates receive the sign of the cross on all their senses, their hands, and their feet as a symbol of the rededication of themselves to Christ and the Christian journey. They publicly express their intention to follow Christ and respond to God’s call. The period of the catechumenate is a time for deeper instruction and learning about Church teaching and tradition. The candidates encouraged in developing their prayer and spiritual lives. "This catechesis leads the catechumens not only to an appropriate acquaintance with dogmas and precepts but also to a profound sense of the mystery of salvation in which they desire to participate."[3]

There are two important rites that take place during the period of the catechumenate: the “Rite of Sending” and the “Rite of Election (those unbaptized)” or “Call to Continuing Conversion (those already baptized).” These rites mark the end of the period of the Catechumenate. 
The intention of these Rites is one in which The Church as a whole, represented by the Bishop acknowledges the readiness of the catechumen or candidate and officially sends them forth to receive the sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil.
 

Period of Purification & Enlightenment?

The period of Purification and Enlightenment coincides with the season of Lent and is the final period preceding the initiation of the elect and candidates into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil. During this period, the elect and candidates joins the rest of the Church in penance and sacrifice as they prepare themselves spiritually reflecting especially upon the process of purification and conversion.
On the third, fourth, and fifth Sundays of Lent, the elect undergo three “scrutinies.” These are rites meant to encourage self-reflection, repentance, spiritual healing and deeper conversion. The scrutinies are oriented toward a strengthening of the elect in their resolve to leave behind sinful ways and commend themselves entirely to the love of God and new life in Jesus Christ.
This period is concluded with reception of the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil. This is not the end but the beginning of their new life I Christ!

Period of Mystegogy?

This is translated from the Greek words meaning “to lead through the mystery” This final period following the celebration of the sacraments of initiation. It is a time of reflection during which the new Catholics can meditate upon their initiation and seek to deepen their understanding of the Christian faith and way of life through the new experience of being fully practicing members of their Catholic community.

Can I still join if I do not need sacraments?

Yes, anyone is welcome to join us! If you are a Catholic who does not need to complete any sacraments or a person who wants to understand the Catholic Church more clearly, you may join as a “student.” This simply means you desire to deepen your understanding of the catholic faith and are simply there to learn more.

What is an RCIA sponsor and do I need one?

An RCIA sponsor is an active Practicing Catholic willing to walk along side someone who is going through the RCIA process. The Sponsor must be someone who will be present at Rituals and the Easter Vigil. Although sponsors are not required to attend RCIA sessions, we do encourage them to attend as they can.

What are the requirements to be a Sponsor?

A Sponsor must be 16 years of age or older, a fully initiated Catholic who has received Baptism, Holy Communion, and Confirmation in the Catholic Church. The Sponsor may not be the candidate or catechumen's parent. If the Sponsor is married, the sponsor must be married in the Catholic Church.

For more information contact Deacon Bob Bridwell at 919-770-4867 or email bbridwell1949@hotmail.com.