WHAT IS RCIA?

The RCIA – Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults – is the process that helps you grow in awareness of God’s call to conversion, provides opportunities to reflect on that call and moves you towards full initiation through the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist celebrated at the Easter Vigil. The parish community offers an invitation and support to those seeking initiation or those inquiring into the faith.

FOR WHOM IS IT DESIGNED?

The RCIA is designed for unbaptized adults and adults from other faith denominations wishing full communion with the Catholic Church. Baptized Catholics who may not have completed their full initiation are also included in the process.

HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE THE PROCESS?

First of all, the RCIA is one rite. However, it is divided into four distinct periods that respect the individual’s journey. Each period is marked by community celebrations that serve as transitions throughout the rite.

The Inquiry Period is a time to ask any questions you might have about the Catholic Church. During this time an individual begins to discern whether he/she has a calling towards the Catholic faith after learning basic beliefs of the church.

The Catechumenate begins with the Rite of Acceptance. Through instruction, liturgies, reflection on the Word, and faith sharing, those desiring full initiation will delve deeper into the Catholic Church teachings and attempt to define their relationship with God and His people. The next stage, the period of Purification and Enlightenment, begins with the Rite of Elect which is celebrated the first Sunday of Lent. This is a time to reflect on the life of Christ, his death and resurrection. This is a time to experience Lent in its fullness and reflect upon the baptismal promises about to be made or renewed at the Easter Vigil. The final preparation towards full initiation begins.

The final period, Mystagogy, celebrates the 50 days from Easter to Pentecost. During this time, the new members reflect on the Easter experience and the responsibilities that come with the professed baptismal promises. The Church community welcomes them and calls them to action, “to love and serve the Lord.”

HOW LONG IS THE PROCESS?

Conversion is a lifelong process. However, the length of time spent on preparing for reception of the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil varies according to each individual’s needs and spiritual development.

WHAT IS THE TIME COMMITMENT?

The process may last a few months to several months according to a person’s understanding of Church teachings and personal spiritual growth. Inquiry sessions will be held one evening a week. Since inquiry is an ongoing process, people are invited into inquiry sessions anytime during the year. The Catechumenate begins typically in the fall and the sessions change to Sunday mornings from 9:30 to 11:45 a.m. The period of Purification and Enlightenment occurs during Lent and includes a retreat to prepare you for initiation at the Easter Vigil. Mystagogy continues with the Sunday morning sessions until the Church celebrates Pentecost in late May or early June. For more information call Barb Woods at 225-8382.

If you are interested in becoming Catholic, or if you are a Catholic desiring to complete your initiation, please contact Barb Woods at 210-6649 or bwoods@sainttheresaiowa.org

RCIA MINISTRIES

As the Father has sent me, so I send you!

All Catholics share in the life of Christ by our baptism. By the same baptism:

~ We are called to share that life with others,

AND

~ We are empowered by the Spirit of God to do so.

	Prayer Partners The power of prayer is unquestionable! Prayer provides a source of strength and an avenue of communication on anyone's faith journey. Companions are also a necessity on a journey. You are accepting both roles as a prayer partner. Through the workings of the Holy Spirit you travel the journey with them either silently or aloud. You may send letters/cards of encouragement anonymously or acknowledge yourself. If you want to meet your catechumen or candidate, you're invited to drop down after a 9:30 Mass once we begin dismissals sometime in December. You define your involvement. All we ask is that you keep a special person in your prayers as he/she inquires about the faith and prepares for initiation into the church.
	Hosts Spend one Monday evening (7 – 9 p.m.) OR one Sunday morning (10:30 – 11:45 a.m.) with us. Introduce yourself, meet new people, and serve snacks. We provide paper products and drinks. You provide the snack. People have served cheese and crackers, cookies, brownies, breads and fixings, vegetable pizza, candies, peanuts, pretzels, popcorn, and a variety of other foods. The choice is yours.
	Sponsors The sponsor is a co-traveler in this journey of faith who commits himself or herself to accompany a catechumen or candidate along the way. The sponsor is a person who is willing to be a friend, witness, guide. According to the Rite: A sponsor accompanies any candidate seeking admission as a catechumen. Sponsors are persons who have known and assisted the candidates and stand as witnesses to the candidates' moral character, faith, and intention. (No. 10)
	Faith Stories The CHURCH also has many stories to tell…Stories of faith journeys. Why not add your own story? Why are you Catholic? What or who brought you this far? Why is Christ an intricate part of your life? How are you like the people of the Old Testament in their search for the Savior? Have you had any faith struggles? Share your story with those who are inquiring about the Catholic Faith.
	Easter Vigil For Catholics, the Easter Vigil is the highpoint of the Liturgical Year, where the catechumenate and candidates join us at the Eucharistic table for the first time. This first sharing of Eucharist continues at the post-vigil reception. Just as a family will celebrate the baptism of their newborn infant with an extended family gathering, so does the Church in celebrating and welcoming their newest members. Preparation for the vigil and reception draws on people from all levels of parish life to reflect the larger faith community planning and preparing to welcome the newly baptized and confirmed.

For more information on the RCIA process or RCIA ministries, please contact Barb Woods at 210-6649 bwoods@sainttheresaiowa.org