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Adult Confirmation/RCIA
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ENROLLMENT FOR THE 2023-2024 YEAR HAS ENDED
RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (R.C.I.A.) 2023-2024
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a journey through different spiritual phases of increasing maturity by which one prepares to commit oneself to Jesus Christ and His Church through the search for the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist)
The RCIA is for:- Any unbaptized person who seeks to follow Christ in his Church as preparation for Christian discipleship through baptism, confirmation, and the Eucharist. Such a person, after a period of research on faith and initial conversion to Christ is called: Catechumen.
- Anyone baptized from another Christian community seeking to be Catholic through preparation for Confirmation and Communion. Such a person, after a period of research on faith, is called a Candidate.
- Any baptized Catholic who seeks to increase his devotion as a disciple of Jesus Christ through the realization of the other sacraments of initiation such as Confirmation and Communion.
What is the Rite of Christian Initiation?
The Rite of Christian Initiation is based on the principle that the process of conversion proceeds gradually, in stages. Progress from one stage to the next is marked by a liturgical celebration in the midst of the parish community. The experience and needs of those in each category described above differ, and so the length of time may vary for each person. Yet there are certain similarities among all the groups and the process they will experience.Precatechumenate
The first stage is called the period of inquiry (or the precatechumenate). This is when the individual first expresses an interest in becoming a Christian or a Catholic. With the help of the parish community, the individual explores his or her relationship with Christ and how that relationship might be enriched and deepened by joining this Christian community. There is no liturgical rite to mark the beginning of this stage. This period of inquiry typically lasts 8 weeks but may last several months or several years and ends either when the inquirer feels ready to move forward to the Catechumenate stage, when the community is prepared to welcome him or her, or when he or she decides against continuing in this direction.Catechumenate
The second stage is called the catechumenate and, for the unbaptized listed above, who are now called “catechumens,” continues to the stage of Purification and Enlightenment. For the baptized but uncatechized (not yet educated in the faith), the period should be a similar length. “Candidates” for full communion may complete this stage in a shorter time frame. The Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens (for catechumens) and the Rite of Welcoming (for candidates) mark the beginning of this stage.
Catechesis is based in Scripture and proclaimed in the midst of the worshiping community. This is also a time for the catechumen or candidate to learn how to live as a Catholic Christian through their faith journey and the support of their parish community. This period ends when the catechumens and candidates express their desire to receive the sacraments of initiation and the parish community acknowledges their readiness. The catechumen then becomes an “elect,” which is marked by the Rite of Election during the next stage.Purification and Enlightenment
The third stage is the period of purification and enlightenment. It coincides with the liturgical season of
Lent. During this time, the elect (catechumens) and the candidates enter into a period of intense preparation and prayer which includes the three public celebrations of the scrutinies (for catechumens) and is marked by the presentations of the Creed and the Lord's Prayer. The Rite of Election (for catechumens) and the Call to Continuing Conversion (for candidates) are celebrated at the beginning of this stage. This period ends with the celebration of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. (Note: only the elect are baptized. All receive the sacrament of Confirmation and welcomed at the Eucharistic table.Mystagogy
The fourth stage is the period of post baptismal catechesis or mystagogy. The newly initiated explore their experience of being fully initiated through participation with all the faithful at Sunday Eucharist and through appropriate catechesis. The period formally lasts through the Easter season and may be marked by a parish celebration on or near Pentecost. On a more informal level, mystagogy is a lifelong process, one in which all Christians are engaged, as we all work to deepen our sense of what it means to live the Christian life.Documents Requirements:
- Birth certificate only if seeking Baptism, First Holy Communion and Confirmation
- Baptismal certificate only if seeking the sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation
- If you need the sacrament of Confirmation only, both Baptismal and Holy Communion certificates are required
Required Commitment of Catechumen/Candidate/Covert:
- Attend class weekly (Tuesday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.)
- Attend Mass every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. and Holy Days of Obligation
- Holy Days of Obligation are the following:
- November 1 All Saints Day
- December 8 Immaculate Conception
- December 25 Christmas
- Triduum
- Date to be announced Holy Thursday
- Date to be announced Good Friday
- Date to be announced Easter Vigil
- Date to be announced Easter
- August 15 Assumption of Mary
- Holy Days of Obligation are the following:
- Encouraged to participate in the monthly parish Holy Hour (First Friday of each month from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.)
- Course Fee is $ 125 (included Bible, Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Retreat, etc.)
- Service Projects/Volunteer Hours:
- RCIA Christmas/Lent Volunteer Project
- Saint Ferdinand Annual Parish Fiesta to be held in RCIA
Sponsor Requirements/Documents:
- Sponsors must
- Have received all three Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist
- Be living a life consistent with faith and with the responsibility of a godparent
- Be members of the Catholic Church and canonically free to carry their office
- Sponsors must be willing and available to participate in all Church events that will be announced throughout the year.
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