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What is the RCIA?
RCIA is the acronym for the Rites of Christian
Initiation of Adults—the way people “become”
Catholic. A few decades ago, people who had never been baptized,
or those who were baptized Protestants and wanted to “convert”,
went through “instructions.” This typically involved
meeting with the parish priest and learning the basic prayers
and teachings of the Catholic Faith. Then, after a few weeks
of instructions, the person was quietly baptized on a weekday.
Since Vatican Council II, the process of entering
the Catholic Church has been changed from one of “instruction”
to one of faith development and discernment. RCIA involves
some instruction on Catholic teaching and doctrine, but also
emphasizes the importance of prayer, Scripture, reflection,
sharing, community and service. It seeks to involve the whole
parish community. As a result, it is not only the RCIA candidates
who benefit from the process; the entire community grows as
it accompanies them on their journey.
Historical Roots
RCIA is not something new. In the earliest centuries of the
church, adult baptism was the norm. Those who were interested
in Christianity embarked on a three-year preparation called
the catechumenate. The participants (catechumens) spent time
listening to the Gospel and responding to its call to repentance
and conversion. They learned what it meant to be a member
of the Church community, and how being a Christian in society
required changes in their values and way of life. As they
progressed in their spiritual preparation for the sacraments
of initiation, the catechumens participated in a number of
rites to mark their progress and to ask God’s blessing
upon them. Today’s RCIA process borrows many aspects
from that early catechumenate.
Inquiry and the Rite of Acceptance/Welcome
During the first stage of the journey, inquirers begin to
form a communal relationship with one another and the parish
team. Life stories are shared and questions about Catholic
teachings and customs are answered. When the inquirers feel
they are ready to make a commitment to discerning whether
or not they are called to the Catholic Church, the Rite of
Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens or the Rite of Welcome
for baptized Christians is celebrated at Sunday Mass. Parish
sponsors are also asked to mentor them along the way.
At this point, those who have not been baptized
become known as catechumens, while those who are already baptized
in other Christian traditions become candidates. Each Sunday,
they participate in a Rite of Dismissal, leaving the assembly
to prayerfully reflect on the Word of God. They spend time
learning more about the sacraments and traditions of the Catholic
faith; they explore Catholic traditions and spirituality;
they experience forms of prayer and liturgy; they get to know
the Catholic community and its way of life.
Lent and the Rite of Election
The next stage of the process begins with the Rite of election
in the First Week of Lent. It is celebrated at St. James Cathedral
by the Archbishop Brunett, and marks a major transition. Gathered
with other catechumens and candidates from throughout the
Archdiocese, they are called to spend the forty days of Lent
in prayer, penance and fasting, as a time of intense preparation
for the sacraments of initiation. On the third, fourth, and
fifth Sundays of Lent, the Rites of the Scrutinies are celebrated
as an integral part of the Sunday Mass. In these, they are
asked to look deeply within themselves to identify those areas
where they most need the saving grace of Christ’s death
and resurrection.
The Easter Vigil
The Rites of Christian Initiation take place at the Easter
Vigil, when the Church solemnly celebrates the paschal mysteries
at the heart of our faith: Jesus’ saving death has conquered
sin and evil; through baptism, we share in Christ’s
death and resurrection, and are freed from the power of sin
and evil in our own lives. The catechumen are baptized, confirmed
and receive their first Eucharist. The candidates renew their
baptism in a Profession of Faith, and confirmed and also receive
Eucharist.
The newly baptized and newly received continue
to come together during the Easter season to learn of the
parish community’s specific ministries and to make a
personal commitment to continue their faith journey as a member
of the community.
RCIA at St. Anne
Here at St. Anne Parish, the RCIA process continues year-round,
and those interested in learning more about the Catholic faith
may enter the process at any time. There are currently eight
individuals in the Inquiry process, some of whom will be celebrating
the first rite—the Rite of Acceptance & Welcome—on
the first Sunday of October.
The group gathers each Sunday at 9:00 am for
a catechetical session focused on Catholic teachings, beliefs
and practices. The format is casual, with opportunities for
questions, discussion and sharing. The group then joins the
parish community for the 10:00 am Mass.
If you or someone you know is interested in
the RCIA process, or in learning more about the Catholic faith,
please contact Ron Ryan at the Parish Office.
Or, if you are a St. Anne parishioner, and are
interested in serving as an RCIA sponsor, please contact Ron
Ryan.
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