RCIA The Rite of Christian Initiation

The Process now used in the Catholic Church for those who wish to explore the Catholic faith with the support of the parish community.

1st Step of the Process: Inquiry

What is inquiry?

It is a time of no fixed duration and an opportunity for people asking & searching for answers to questions regarding the Catholic faith, A few topic examples maybe, the Bible, the Church's practices, the Mass.

For whom is Inquiry designed?

* Adults never baptized

* Adults baptized into other Christian denominations

• Adults baptized Catholic, but never received Confirmation or Eucharist.

How long is the Inquiry Process?

The process is individualized. When the person decides that they are ready to make a commitment to pursue membership in the Catholic faith, they take the next step. There

is no pressure to make this commitment. It is an invitation.

When and where are the Inquiry sessions?

They are held every Sunday Morning starting in October.

2nd Step of the Process: Catechumenate

What is a Catechumen?

Someone who professes their faith in Jesus Christ and expresses a desire to enter the Church. The parish community welcomes them in a celebrated liturgical rite.

What is the period of the Catechumen?

After the homily, the Catechumens and their catechist (member from the community) continue to reflect on the Scripture that was read during Mass. Through prayer, study and coming to know other Catholic Christians, catechumens discover the love and power of God in their lives and in the Church.

Do you know any of these people who are interested in becoming active Catholics?

 Someone who is not Catholic and is married to a Catholic or is planning to marry a Catholic.

 A Friend or neighbor who is searching for a church.

 A person who has some Catholic background but has never practiced the Faith.

 Someone who is not Catholic but is attached to our Sunday celebration of the Eucharist.

3rd Step in the Process: Enlightenment & Purification

Enlightenment & Purification begins with the Rite of Election with the Bishop at the Cathedral Church. This period occurs during Lent and is infused with a new dimension or tone intensely centered on conversion, reflection, and marked by the scrutinies &

preparation rites culminating with the celebration of the Initiation Sacraments on Holy Saturday.

4th Step of the Process: Mystagogy

This is a time, usually the Easter season, following the celebration of initiation at the Easter Vigil. During the period of Mystagogy, the newly initiated experience being fully a part of the Christian community by participation in the Sunday Eucharistic celebration & discussion of their conversion experience.

Children in the RCIA Process

This process to bring children age 7 & above along with their families into the Catholic Community celebrating the sacramentals of initiation- Baptism, Confirmation & Eucharist. This process is for Children never baptized or Children baptized into another Christian Faith

To learn more about the R.C.I.A. process, please call 892-8922!

How can I be involved as member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Faith Community with the R.C.I.A Process?

The Community. - presents a spirit of prayer and welcome during the entire process but especially during the Rites!

Sponsors - persons who accompany the inquirers when they seek acceptance into the order of catechumens and who remain with them as companions during the Catechumenate stage (instructional stage) until the Rite of Election.

Inquiry catechist - is a person who enjoys people, listening to their life stories and finding answers to the inquirer questions about the Catholic faith.

Catechumenate (Instruction) Catechist - uses the lectionary as the primary source of teaching of the catholic faith.

Children's Catechist- is a person who enjoys being with children and their families to bring the stories of Jesus to life in their lives.

Prayer & Rite Minister - To provide prayer services for the Inquiry and Catechumenate Sessions and organize the different Liturgical Rites to celebrate with the parish community.

Hospitality Minister - Create a welcoming environment for the inquiry & Catechumenate Sessions.

To learn more how I can become involved in the R.C.I.A. process, please call 892-8922!