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RCIA is designed for adults who are interested
in the Catholic Church and
for those who
are simply wanting to learn more about the Christian faith.
How does one become
Catholic?
Many Catholics are
born into Catholic Families and gradually come to share in the full
sacramental life of the Church. Others, who have been previously
baptized in a non-Catholic Christian Church, have become Catholics
after participating in a formation process that leads to a
profession of faith and the celebration of the sacraments of
Confirmation and Eucharist. And some, never baptized, are initiated
through a formation process that leads to the celebrations of
Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. All sacraments are celebrated
at the solemn Easter Vigil celebrated by the Catholic community.
The Catholic Church
warmly welcomes new members and tries to provide an atmosphere
of spiritual formation according to each person's needs. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
(RCIA) is the Church's way of initiating new members.
How is the Christian
Initiation of Adults Implemented?
Every parish is responsible for designing the
formation of persons for initiation into the Catholic Church,
according to guidelines provided by the universal Catholic Church.
The process is concerned with the total formation of the person who
seeks initiation into a believing (doctrinal formation), a living
(practical formation), a worshipping (liturgical formation), and a
serving (apostolic formation) community.
Who comes to the
RCIA?
- Persons who have never been baptized as
Christians
- Persons who have been baptized in another
Christian faith tradition and are now interested in the Catholic
tradition
- Persons who were baptized in the Catholic
tradition but we were not raised as Catholics
- “Fallen Away” Catholics who are interested in
renewing their faith.
What does the RCIA
involve?
The RCIA
meets from September through March for two hours each week. During
this time, persons seeking full membership in the Catholic Church
gather with members of the church to explore questions and share in
the way. There are also meaningful public rites which mark the joy of
the community and its prayerful concern for those coming toward full
membership.
What topics are
discussed?
The weekly gatherings cover a broad range of
topics because our Catholic beliefs encompass the whole fabric of
our lives. Insights are offered and shared, which shed light on
themes such as the following: - Who God is, how God is to be understood
- The Jesus of Faith and our discipleship with
him
-
The Worshipping Church Community and the
sacraments as sustaining and supporting one's life of faith
-
The Bible as the Living Word of God speaking
today
-
Prayer as essential to a good life
-
Social Justice as application of Gospel
principles to world and human issues.
How long does it
take to become a Catholic?
The RCIA is a process of preparation for a
lifetime commitment to be lived out in the Catholic Church.
Consequently some people may seek more time than others to prepare
for this. The usual length of preparation is approximately eight
months to one year. The reception of new members, through the
celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation
and Eucharist), takes place at the Easter Vigil on the Saturday
night before Easter.
Who leads the
RCIA?
A parish staff person
directs the RCIA in collaboration with a dedicated team of
parishioners. In addition, other parishioners assist as catechists,
facilitators, sponsors and hospitality persons.
If I begin, am I
obligated to become a Catholic?
There is no obligation to make any kind of
commitment, nor is there pressure exerted on anyone to become a
Catholic. We respect the conscience and decision of every
inquirer. It would be hoped though, that through association with
us, the inquirer would gain a deeper appreciation and understanding
of the Catholic Church.
I think I might like
to begin, but I'm still hesitant.
If you are interested in learning more about
the Catholic Church and RCIA, please contact:
Barry
Phillips, Director of Religious Education
stgus8@bellsouth.net or call
the church office at 706-376-4112.
Confidentiality will be respected and there
will be no obligation. |