Right of Christian Initiation for Adults— RCIA

RCIA Coordinator: Mr. Michael Garibaldi

Congratulations! By opening at this page, you have successfully taken the first step in heeding the Lord’s call to enter into greater relationship with him. We welcome all inquirers as they begin the process of looking at and considering the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. We will do all we can to help you on this faithjourney. Our next Inquiry session will be Sunday, August 16th following the 8:30am Mass for English speakers and following the 12:30pm Mass for Spanish speakers. Both sessions will be held in the Gomes Center adjacent to the Ramada.

Links and resources…
The Coming Home Network
Catholic Answers
The Catechism of the Catholic Church
EWTN

The process

Inquiry
Prior to formally entering the RCIA process, a period of inquiry or initial examination is offered to people interested in learning more about Jesus, the Catholic Church and the impact Jesus has for one’s life in today’s world. This portion of the process requires no formal commitment. Our next Inquiry Session will begin in February. Please see bulletin for details. Participation in the Inquiry is not mandatory for entrance into the next phase.

Teaching the Catholic Faith-The Catechumenate
Following Inquiry is the formal instruction known as ‘catechesis’, the echoing or handing down of Christ’s teaching in their entirely. This part of the process emphasizes the importance of Sacred Scripture by moving through key biblical events and showing how the teachings of the Church flow from these events. Following the Catechism of the Catholic Church, we examine the main teachings of the Church and show how they impact our daily lives. Each participant has a sponsor to walk him/her through the entire process.

Prayer-Period of Purification and Enlightenment
Beginning with Ash Wednesday, participants become ‘elect’, that is, declared by the Bishop to be ready to receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist this coming Easter Vigil. The six weeks of Lent preceding Easter are a time of prayer, fasting, and turning away from sin.

The Easter Vigil
The Mass on the Saturday night before Easter Sunday. At Mass, participants in the RCIA process receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist.

Post-Easter Sessions—The Period of Mystagogy
The period of teaching after Easter is known as ‘Mystagogia’, which means to reflect on the mysteries (the Sacraments). It is a time to look at the special gifts God has given us in Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist and see how they impact our lives.