Formation-RCIA

R.C.I.A.
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

Links

RCIA Schedule

RCIA Extra Reading

RCIA External Links

General Information

The community of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church gladly embraces the reality that initiating new members is the concern and responsibility of ALL the baptized, and through the RCIA Team, sponsors and the worshiping assembly, offer a welcoming environment in which anyone can come seeking answers.

Ø   Are you interested in the Catholic Faith and Traditions?
Ø   Do you have questions about Catholicism?
Ø   Would you like more information about the Catholic Way
          of Life?
Ø   Are you un-baptized, but recognize a need for spirituality
          in your life?
Ø   Have you been baptized in the Catholic Church or
          another religion but never received any religious
          formation?
Ø Are you married to a Catholic and attend mass, but just
          don't know what the next step is to become one of the
          Catholic faithful?

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.)
is the place for you!

   Every year, adults are welcomed into the Catholic community through the RCIA. It is a learning and loving process in which conversion of the heart brings you to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. The dynamic and ongoing process of turning oneself more and more directly into the presence of God is the vocation and mission of every Christian.
      The process is modeled on the catechumenate of the early Church, restored by the Second Vatican Council, and mandated for all Catholic parishes by 1988.
     Many ministries are involved in Christian formation because many gifts are needed to reveal more completely the meaning of life in Christ. All supply a formative influence on the person being initiated. By the quality of its life of faith, the community already is evangelizing. By the active living of the faith, the community is catechizing. By the prayerful celebrating of the faith, the community is formed liturgically. The emphasis rests on communal living and sharing of the faith.
     The Word of God plays a central role in the formation process.

The Sacraments of Initiation are:
Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist

Those who have not yet been baptized are called catechumens and will prepare for all three initiation sacraments. Those who have been validly baptized will be preparing only for Confirmation and Eucharist., and are called Candidates for the Full Communion of the Catholic Church.

     After a period of formation and conversion, the most appropriate time to liturgically initiate new members is the Easter Vigil, that is, the service of Holy Saturday.
     With their family and friends, sponsors and Godparents, the Elect (formerly catechumens) and the Candidates gather in the midst of the community to celebrate the glorious resurrection of our Lord and be formally received into the Church and celebrate the sacraments for the first time.
     It is a very visible sign that all have walked this spiritual journey together and a mutual pledge to increase and deepen the bonds of this faith community, working to build the Kingdom of God.

The final goal of the catechumenate is not Baptism, but Eucharist. It is in sharing and being the Body of Christ that we find fulfillment as Christians.
We begin weekly Inquiry sessions in August and conclude the spiritual journey at Pentecost.

Sponsors and Godparents

      One of the most important ministries in this process is the church-provided community sponsor. This is a practicing Catholic who commits to spiritually walk with, support, encourage and affirm, as well as witness for, the Catechumens and Candidates. This takes a long commitment in time, but is very rewarding, as his/her own faith is renewed and enriched in the process. For the catechumens, the community sponsor may also be the Godparent at Baptism.
     We invite parishioners to prayerfully consider serving in this capacity.
     For further information, please contact Tommie Holt, Phone # 265-4685 or e-mail: tholt@f8click.com

The Order of Christian Initiation

v    Period of Pre-Catechumenate
v    Period of the Catechumenate
v    Period of Purification and Enlightenment
v    Mystagogia

The Ceremonies of the Rite of Initiation of Adults

v    Rite of Acceptance into the Catechumenate
             and Welcoming Candidates for Full Communion
v    Rite of Sending
v    Rite of Election and Enrolling of Names
v    Scrutinies
v    Sacraments of Initiation

Notable Quotes

“Coming to RCIA every week was like a breath from Heaven. It was an answer to my prayers, and resolution of many of my questions. The presence of our Lord Jesus Christ was always felt when I came. It helped me to better understand my role and my path towards reaching salvation. All the others who were there every week were like having a new family. I will always be grateful for those who served in helping me in choosing to become Catholic in my RCIA sessions.”
Steve Kelsey, Neophyte

“A little over thirteen years ago my life changed. I found something I did not even know I needed, much less wanted. Since my conversion, and my first Easter Vigil, it has been a true pilgrim’s journey. There have been many highs and a few lows, with periods of being lost and wandering in the desert. I wrote an article shortly after I came into church through the RCIA and said that I looked down on high flying eagles. That is still true at times, but a peace, a tranquility, a serenity has come to me that is even more profound than the sight of high flying eagles below me. My journey has been eventful. It has been wonderful. It has been a miracle. I can only thank Jesus for opening my eyes, my heart and my soul to His love, mercy, and compassion. I have been truly blessed.”
Tommie Holt, RCIA Team Member

“The past nine months have been a joyous time for my husband and especially myself as his sponsor. Together, we have shared so many special moments with all the participants, ultimately bringing us to his Confirmation. Personally, it renewed my faith and brought me to a more mature and enlightened level of my belief. My special thanks go to the team for taking us on this wondrous journey.”
Dinah Prochaska, Sponsor

[Top]