What Does RCIA and RCIC Mean?

The letters "RCIA" stand for the

"Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults".

The letters "RCIC" stand for the

"Rite of Christian Initiation of Children".

Sunday, August 14, 2022, there will be an orientation meeting, right after 10 AM Mass, to address questions you might have about this process. Those Catholics who have not completed their sacraments, such as First Eucharist or Confirmation, can also attend the R.C.I.A. program.

A second meeting will be held on Monday, August 15, 2022 at 6 p.m. for those who cannot attend the meeting on Sunday.

Enrollment for this year's religious education classes will be held on Sunday, August 21, 2022, and on Sunday, August 28, 2022 in the parish hall after all Masses. Please bring a copy of birth certificate. Classes will meet each Thursday from 5:30-7:00 p.m.

Class begins September 8th.

Ceremonies for RCIA & RCIC

October 8, 2022 - Rite of Catechumens

February 19, 2023 - Rite of Elect

Easter Vigil April 8th, 2023, at 8 p.m.

Rehearsal at 10 a.m.

Class dates for 2022

September 8-15-22-29 / October 6-13-20-27

November 3-10-17 / December 1-8-15

Class dates for 2023

January 5-12-19-26 / February 2-9-16-23

March 2-9-16-23-30 / April 13-20-27

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

Vatican II outlined the process by which adults and children are initiated into our Roman Catholic Community. The RCIA describes a process in which men and women are introduced to the Catholic way of life.

RCIA process is a series of carefully planned stages, marked by liturgical rites in the presence of the whole community, in which new Catholics embark on an join us in a continuing and deepening conversion into faith and discipleship. In our diocese, the RCIA program meets each person in their varying circumstances and set in motion a curriculum to meet their individual needs. Those who have been baptized, have been baptized Catholic and have never completed their sacraments of initiation, and those who have been baptized into other faiths and want to become Catholic all are serviced as they move through the process and are drawn into deeper relationship with Mother Church.

The road to Rome is by many varied ways. The first step is an awakening awareness that something is missing from a life lived without Christ through His Church. Sometimes this is brought about by crisis, but most often by exposure to Catholic coworkers and friends who bear witness to their faith by living lives of fidelity to God’s Word. This quite often leads to a “curiosity” or desire to know more.

Inquiry:

During the first period of the journey, seekers ask hard questions about Christianity and receive truthful, life-sharing answers from Catholic Christians. The informal discussions during the inquiry period help the seekers link their personal life stories to the Good News as witnessed and lived by the Roman Catholic community.

Catechumenate:

The word catechumenate means "time of serious study". It is during this time that our licensed, professional teachers present lessons and share experiences of Christian life while helping to make the catechumens and candidates feel "at home" with Catholic religious practice.

Election:

The catechumenate period ends when a catechumen or candidate is ready to begin the third period of the journey, the period of purification and enlightenment. This is a time of prayer, fasting and reflection for both catechumens, now known as the Elect, and candidates. It is during this time that they will receive their first Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) as further preparation.

Initiation Complete:

On Holy Saturday, when light drives out darkness, joyful sounds fill the silence, and we proclaim and renew our resurrection hope, the Elect culminate their long journey to initiation in the waters of Baptism. Candidates must wait a few weeks longer before receiving either, or both, First Holy Communion and Confirmation with the Confirmation class. Those being accepted into the Church from other denominations, will receive the Sacraments at another Mass which will generally be scheduled for the weekend following the Easter Vigil.