RCIA Open House

There will be an Open House at 7:00 pm on September 14, 2021, for those interested in exploring the Journey of Faith Towards Christian Initiation.

What Do Catholics Believe?

If you are:

• an unbaptized adult wishing to learn more about the Catholic faith and interested in becoming a Catholic
• a baptized Christian from another faith contemplating becoming a Catholic
• a baptized Catholic having never received the Sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation
• a practicing Catholic and would like to clarify and review the faith, then COME AND SEE!

The RCIA process is broken up into several "stages" of formation:

I. Inquiry

The purpose of these informal meetings is to give the Inquirers a period of time to ask questions and receive answers about Christ and the Church, and to become familiar with the process of Christian Initiation. During this period, the Inquirer decides either to discontinue seeking information or chooses to deepen his experience of Christ through the next steps. A liturgical celebration called The Rite of Acceptance, marks the beginning of the next stage. This is how it will proceed.

II. Catechumenate

This is a period of "apprenticeship" in Christian living with the help of a sponsor and members of the parish. The apprentice or Catechumen experiences the Church as a community of the faithful: its spirit, work, prayer, creed and mission. This is a time for systematic catechesis. On the First Sunday of Lent, the Catechumen elects to continue the faith journey and to move to the next stage. This movement begins serious preparation for the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation, which are Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. The Rite of Election is celebrated and the Catechumen will be known as a member of the Elect.

Ill. Period of Purification & Enlightenment

The Elect and the Community deepen their commitment to the Lord and pray for the removal of any obstacles to spiritual growth. The season of Lent is a time of prayerful reflection, intensely centered on conversion, and marked by the celebration of the scrutinies. The Elect prepare for the intensely beautiful rites on Holy Saturday at the Easter Vigil Mass where the unbaptized Elect receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist). The already baptized receive Confirmation and Eucharist. The Elect are now received into full communion with the Church. The faithful joyfully welcome them as Neophytes and join them in renewing their own baptismal vows.

IV. Mystagogy

The mysteries of Christ's death and resurrection, celebrated during the Easter Vigil, are the basis for the ongoing formation of all Christians, particularly newly initiated ones (the Neophytes). The mysteries unite the faithful in a unique way during the fifty days from Easter to Pentecost. This festive season provides the opportunity for the Church to reflect upon the mission entrusted to it and to seek strength for that mission from each other and from the sacraments which they now share. This final period is a reminder that the initiation process is not the end of becoming a Christian, but merely the beginning.