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Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults |
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R.C.I.A. |
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St. Agnes Catholic Church |
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"Seek First the Kingdom of God." Matthew 6:33 |
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| Mission
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| The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.) informs and guides those of a mature nature, of and through the conversion process, by the teachings of the Dogmas of the Catholic faith. | |
| How Does One Become a Catholic?
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| Some people are baptized in the Faith as infants, grow up in a Catholic home, receive a Catholic education and gradually share in the sacraments of the Church. | |
| Others come to the church as adults: some from other faiths, some baptized, some not. They may have been contacted by a Catholic, but they probably made the first moves themselves by contacting a priest or someone else to learn more about the Church. | |
| There are also those who may have been baptized in the Catholic faith but never instructed further in the Faith or received any other sacraments. | |
| for those adults who are in one of the above categories, and may want to become a Catholic, the Church today has the R.C.I.A.: Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (please call the office at 228-4331 for more information). | |
| What is the R.C.I.A.?
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| The R.C.I.A. is a faith journey designed to help adults get in touch with Christ in their lives, and to initiate them into living life in Christ, as a member of the faith community that is the Church. Implemented by the Second Vatican Council in 1974, R.C.I.A. returns to the process of initiating adults used by the early Church. It includes the same stages, celebrations, and liturgical rites used in the Church's first centuries. | |
| How is the R.C.I.A. Organized?
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| Period of Inquiry (Pre-catechumenate) | |
| During the period of Inquiry, the Inquirers reflect on the Gospel message and the ways that it applies to them. They come to know Christ as an intimate Person in their lives. It is a time for questions and finding out more about the Catholic church. These sessions usually begin in October. | |
| Period of Catechumenate | |
| Those inquirers who profess their faith in Jesus and who freely desire full membership in the Catholic Church participate in the Rite of Welcome and become Catechumens. The Catechumen learns about the Church as a community journeying in faith together. Each will be given a Sponsor to help and encourage him/her in their growth. | |
| The Elect | |
| On the first Sunday of Lent, the Church calls those Catechumens who are ready for the sacraments of initiation to become members of the Elect. Following the Rite of Election, the candidates reflect on their lives to ensure they are attuned to Christ and his Church. The parish community joins the candidates in their final preparation and offers encouragement and support. | |
| Initiation | |
| At the Easter Vigil, the Elect become full members of the Catholic Church through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. Those already baptized make a Profession of Faith. | |
| Mystagogia | |
| This is a period of fifty days, from Easter to Pentecost. During Mystagogia, the Neophytes find a place in the community. It is a time for the unfolding of the Easter Sacraments. Also, during this time the new members come to realize that initiation marks the true beginning of their faith journey. | |
| Special Ways for Parish Members to Become Involved
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| R.C.I.A Team Members | |
| To direct, plan, organize, and implement the R.C.I.A process here at Saint Agnes. | |
| Sponsors | |
| To become a special friend to a Catechumen and share their faith journey in Christian love. | |
| Catechists | |
| To teach and lead prayer experiences in the R.C.I.A. process. | |
| Contact Information
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| Coordinator: Mr. and Mrs. Perry Schwartzburt @ 228-2879 | |
| If you would like to know more about becoming a Catholic through the R.C.I.A., or to find out more about assisting in the R.C.I.A. process here at Saint Agnes, please call the Parish Office at 228-4331. | |
