Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults |
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The
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (commonly known as the R.C.I.A.)
is the normal way in which adults become full, active, and participating
members of the Catholic Church. The R.C.I.A. involves the whole parish-in prayer and community as the Rites are celebrated; in hospitality as new members are welcomed; in catechesis, through catechists (clergy and lay) teaching the doctrines of our Catholic Faith; in companionship, through parishioners journeying in faith with the inquirers; and other specific ministries. The Church, the faith community itself, is renewed continually through the Initiation Process. The on-going process of conversion (turning to the Lord and away from one step to the other as they are ready. Generally speaking there are four steps in becoming a fully initiated Catholic: Pre-Catechumenate Catechumenate Purification Mystagogy The Church attempts to meet individuals where they are. Persons interested in becoming Catholic move from one step to the other as they are ready. The individual determines this readiness in discernment with the RCIA Director. The main intent of RCIA is toward the unbaptized. However, it is adapted to include those baptized in another faith expression and wishing to join the Catholic Church. This is one of the main reasons why length of time may vary from one individual to another. Pre-Catechumenate After an initial interview with the Director of RCIA, an Inquirer will be invited to attend Inquiry sessions in the Hospitality room on the second Wednesdays of the month. At these sessions there is an opportunity to ask questions about the Catholic Faith, share faith stories from the Scriptures, and share personal faith journeys. The sessions (7:00 - 8:15 p.m.) will close with prayer. When the Inquirer discerns he/she is ready, he/she will move into the Catechumenate through the celebration of either the Rite of Acceptance (for the unbaptized) or the Rite of Welcoming (for the baptized) celebrated with the parish community. Catechumenate During this period, both the Catechumens (unbaptized) and Candidates (baptized) study and ponder more deeply the World of God. Each Sunday (9:00 a.m. Mass), after the homily, they will be dismissed from the Eucharistic Assembly and go with a catechist to reflect on the Scriptures. The catechesis for the Catechumenate flows from the Sunday Lectionary readings. In addition, both those in the Catechumenate and the Pre-Catechumenate attend Sunday morning sessions from 10:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Rectory basement. At this time teachings and discussion on the doctrine contained in the readings at Mass take place. TOPICS God-Revelation Jesus-Lord & Savior Holy Spirit Church - Its Mission Scripture & Tradition Sacraments Prayer The Mass Church History Morality - Person/ Social Ministry & Mission Human Destiny Purification - Enlightenment Those who are ready for Sacraments at the Easter Vigil are called to celebrate the Rite of Election (unbaptized) or Rite of Continuing Conversion (baptized) by the Bishop of the Diocese of Harrisburg at St. Patrick Cathedral on the First Sunday of Lent. The Rite of Sending Forth precedes this celebration earlier in the day, with the parish community. The Rite of Election moves the Catechumens (unbaptized), now called the Elect, and the Candidates (baptized), into that immediate preparation for the Sacraments of Initiation through a time of spiritual retreat. The entire universal Church accompanies the Elect and Candidates during the Lenten season through prayer, example and encouragement. The Elect and Candidates continue to be dismissed at the Sunday liturgy. The parish community prays publicly for and with them. The catechetical sessions are now a retreat experience as they prepare themselves more fully for the Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil. Minor Rites are celebrated with the Elect and Candidates throughout the faith journey. In addition, the Elect and Candidates are encouraged to participate as fully as possible in the Holy Week liturgies, especially the Triduum. Sacraments of Initiation Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist are celebrated at the Easter Vigil fully initiating the unbaptized into Catholic Church. Those already previously baptized make a Profession of Faith in the Catholic Church, are received into the Catholic Church, and receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. Mystagogy After the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil, the Elect are now known as neophytes. They, as well as the newly initiated, (previously baptized, and now having made a Profession of Faith in the Catholic Church), enter more deeply into a reflection on the Mysteries (the Sacraments) they have celebrated and will continue to celebrate throughout their lives. The formal period of Mystagogy ends with the Church's celebration of Pentecost, but truly continues the rest of their lives. The newly initiated are also invited and encouraged to return once a month for prayer and reflection. They also receive bi-monthly mailings to help in their daily faith journey. Other Highlights Besides a sponsor who is chosen by the Inquirers, the parish assigns a parishioner from St. John Neumann Church to be a companion throughout the process. This companion is there to help where needed: to pray, to support, to introduce the Inquirers to the communi-ty, facilitate their participation in the many ministries of the parish (so that they and the community may be enriched through the various gifts and talents), and attend the celebration of the Rites. HOW DO I PARTICIPATE? If you are interested in knowing more about the Catholic Faith or desirous of becoming a Catholic, please fill the online form or contact: Sue Toole St. John Neumann Church 601 E. Delp Road Lancaster, PA 17601 |
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Neumann Church All rights reserved webmaster@saintjohnneumannlancaster.org |
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