RITE OF
CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA)
The Rite
of Christian Initiation of Adults is the process through
which adults discern their call to follow Christ in the
Roman Catholic Church. During this time, they will hear the
mystery of Christ proclaimed, learn the teachings and
practices of the Catholic Church, and have the opportunity
to talk with Catholics about their faith journey. At the
proper time, they will receive the Sacraments of Initiation
(Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist) appropriate for them.
What if I am just curious about certain practices of
Catholics or what they believe?
One’s
faith journey begins with this curiosity, and the Rite of
Christian Initiation embraces these questions in its first
period: the Precatechumenate. During this time, Catholics
are available to discuss the Faith and your specific
questions at the “Curious about the Catholic Church?”
sessions on the second Wednesday of each month.
Of
course, you may be discussing the Faith with Catholics you
know – your family, friends, co-workers, but the Curious
about the Catholic Church sessions are another opportunity.
I think I am being called to join the Catholic Church, how
do I get started?
Talk to
one of the priests here at St. Cecilia or the director of
the RCIA program, Carlene Hamilton. Then enroll in the
catechetical sessions which are held on Monday evenings
(7:00 p.m.) from September through Pentecost (usually May
or early June).
At these
sessions, the priests and lay people present the teachings
of the Church about God, our relationship with Him, the
Sacraments, Catholic liturgies, the hierarchy of the Church,
…
May I bring my spouse or friend?
Yes.
Your spouse or friend is welcome to attend, but you will not
be alone. A member of St. Cecilia Parish will be assigned
as your “sponsor” and will be with you throughout the
process, to hear your story, answer your questions, share
his/her faith journey.
Should I ask a friend or family member to be my sponsor?
At St.
Cecilia, we believe that it is important for you to have a
broad perspective of the Church. No doubt you are
discussing the Church with your family and friends; having a
different person as your sponsor will give a different
dimension to your understanding. So a member of the parish
will serve in that role.
If I enroll in the catechetical sessions, am I bound to join
the Church?
No. You
must freely and consciously accept God’s call. The Holy
Spirit will lead you. The RCIA process is of no specific
duration and there is no pressure for you to make a
decision.
There are
various steps of commitment in the RCIA. Each is marked by
a liturgical rite where you will state your intention to the
people and they will accept your decision to go forward.
Prior to each rite, you will discuss your situation
privately with one of the priests and together come to a
conclusion as to whether or not you should proceed or delay
entering the next period.
The
entire parish will be supporting you with prayer and your
sponsor, RCIA team members, and others will guide you.
When and how do I become Catholic?
Usually,
at the Easter Vigil (the night before Easter). If you have
not been baptized in a Christian tradition, you will
receive that Sacrament as well as be confirmed and receive
the Eucharist (Holy Communion) for the first time.
If you
have been baptized in Christian tradition other than the
Catholic Church, you will renew your Baptismal Promises and
make a profession of faith in all that the holy Catholic
Church believes, teaches, and proclaims to be revealed by
God. The Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist will be
conferred on you.
If you
have been baptized as a Catholic, but have not been
confirmed or received Holy Communion, you will receive those
Sacraments at the Easter Vigil. (Note that if you have made
your first Holy Communion, but have not been confirmed, the
Bishop will confirm you at a Diocesan liturgy; contact the
Director of Religious Education (Kathy Maggied, 878-0133)
for information on preparation for this Sacrament.)
How much
does it cost?
There is no fee associated
with RCIA.
How can I
get more information?
Call the Director
of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, Carlene
Hamilton (878-5221) to begin the process of inquiry or talk
to one of the priests.
