St. Cecelia Parish

Right of Christian Initiation of Adults

If you would like to join the Catholic Church, please contact Deacon Bill Black

St. Cecelia Parish Office 295-3435

People are often led to the Catholic faith through an experience with a Catholic Christian.  Individuals recognize a quality they admire in others or desire in their own lives.  As Catholics, our responsibility is to give good example and to encourage others to live in Christ.

The RCIA, The Rite of Christian Initaion of Adults, is the process used to welcome those who wish to study, to join or to re-enter the faith of the Catholic Church.

As Christians we are the Body of Christ; therefore, the RCIA is a community activity.  We need to journey in faith together.  As our relationship with Christ grows, so too, does our relationship with each other. 

A   Unbaptized people who wish to profess faith in Jesus.

B   Baptized Catholic Christians not fully initated (have not received Eucharist and/or Confirmation).

C   Baptized people from another Christian church.

PARISHIONERS:

A   Team members, facilitators, catechists.

B   Sponsors (Catholic adults who accompany an individual and who share faith experiences through the entire process of RCIA)

C   Entire parish commmunity by way of prayerful support and celebration of the liturgy.

I    THE PRE-CATECHUMENATE ( Inquiry):  We will explore and share the basics of our Catholic faith with those who have questions.  If the inquirer chooses to continue the process, we celebrate the "Rite of Acceptance" into the RCIA.

II    THE CATECHUMENATE (Instruction):  This is a time for the nurturing and growth of the Catechumen's faith and conversion to God through the study of God's Word and the faith experience of all participants.

III   THE PERIOD OF PURIFICATION AND ENLIGHTENMENT:  During the season of Lent, intense reflection and prayer, including the celebration of the scrutinies, prepares the participants for full initiation into the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.

IV.  POST-BAPTISMAL CATECHESIS (Mystagogia):  During the Easter Season, newly initated members fully experience being part of the Catholic Christian community through the sacraments, service, prayer, and proclamation of the Gospel in their daily lives.

A NON-BAPTIZED PERSON IS REFERRED TO AS A CATECHUMEN.  A PERSON BAPTIZED INTO ANOTHER FAITH BACKGROUND IS REFERRED TO AS A CANDIDATE.

To inquirer about the Catholic Faith, please call Lorri at the parish office, 295-3435, to set an appointment for and interview.  You may inquire at anytime during the year.  Sessions begin when two or more inquirers are ready to begin.