“The most beautiful and stirring adventure that can happen to you is the personal meeting with Jesus, who is the only one who gives real meaning to our life.”
St. John Paul the Great
On Behalf of the Religious Education Staff and Volunteers, Welcome!
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) prepares adults (Catechumens) who desire to become a Christian and receive the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist. In preparing for baptism, those who are attending RCIA are “dispose[d]….to receive the gift of God in Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1247)
After the Second Vatican Council, the Church restored the order of the Catechumenate (time period of preparation for baptism). In restoring this period of preparation, the Church outlined “the steps for the formation of catechumens, bringing their conversion to the faith to a greater maturity.” (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops)
RCIA is also for those adults (Candidates) who are baptized Catholic or in another Christian tradition (e.g. Protestant) but have not received the sacraments of initiation (Eucharist and Confirmation). Building upon the graces received at baptism, Candidates prepare for the reception of the sacraments of Confirmation and the Eucharist.
RCIA preparation is marked by four periods: 1. Inquiry; 2. Catechumanate; 3. Elect; and 4. Mystagogy. During these periods, Catechumens and Candidates, supported by their sponsors, families, and our parish community, grow in their faith and strengthen their relationship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Each period is marked by liturgical rites wherein the Catechumens and Candidates express their willingness and desire to continue in the Catechumenate process. Their period of preparation, immersion in Scripture, and instruction in the faith of the Church (as expressed in the Nicene Creed), and the sacraments, culminates with the reception of the sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil (Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist).
ANNOUNCEMENTS
2022 – 2023 RCIA Registration is now open! Please contact the parish office or Henri Bradley with any questions! Classes start on August 21, 2022, so please be sure to register prior to the start-date!
Key Dates/Reminders:
- First RCIA Class – August 21, 2022
- Rite of Welcoming and Acceptance – December 4, 2022
- Rite of Sending – February 26, 2023
- Rite of Election – February 26, 2023
- First Scrutiny – March 11, 2023
- Second Scrutiny – March 19, 2023
- Third Scrutiny – March 26, 2023
- Easter Vigil Rehearsal – April 5, 2023
- Easter Vigil Mass – April 8, 2023
(If any parishioner wishes to attend an RCIA class session, please contact Henri Bradley.
VOLUNTEERS
If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a catechist, catechist assistant, or volunteering in another capacity with the Religious Education Program and/or RCIA, please complete the Volunteer Form and return to the parish office or Henri Bradley. We are always looking for practicing Catholics who are passionate about sharing their faith with others!
RCIA DOCUMENTS
Congratulations to all who were baptized and received the sacraments of Confirmation and the Eucharist at the Easter Vigil! Thanks be to God!
Easter Vigil photos are now available. Please contact Henri Bradley!