Do you know someone searching for greater meaning in their life? Someone who longs for a deeper relationship with God?
R.C.I.A. Important Dates
2009-2010 classes:
September 2, 2009 through April 14, 2010
Watch this page for Fall and Winter RCIA updates!
Rites and Scrutinies
November, 2009
... 11-21-2009 Rite of Acceptance 5:00 p.m. Mass
February, 2010
... 2-20-2010 Rite of Sending to Election 5:00 p.m. Mass
... 2-21-2010 Rite of Election @ St. Mary's Cathedral 6:00 p.m.
March, 2010
... 3-07-2010 1st Scrutiny 9:00 a.m. Mass
... 3-10-2010 Presentation of Creed 5:30 p.m. Mass
... 3-14-2010 2nd Scrutiny 9:00 a.m. Mass
... 3-21-2010 3rd Scrutiny 11:00 a.m. Mass
... 3-24-2010 Presentation of Lord’s Prayer 5:30 p.m. Mass
April, 2010
... 4-03-2010 Easter Vigil 7:30 p.m.
May, 2010
... 5-30-2010 Pentecost Mass for New Catholics @ St. Mary's Cathedral 10:30 a.m.
For more information about RCIA, please call the Parish Center office during business hours at 347-6108, extension 210, or call Barb Pogioli at 346-9546. If you're under 18 and would like to know more about the RCIA process, please call Tina Sondag in the Parish Center at 347-6108, extension 212.
If you'd like to know about joining the RCIA Ministry as a sponsor, table leader or hospitality person, please call Deacon Marty Pogioli at 346-9546.
More About RCIA
Periods of Formation
... Evangelization (Precatechumenate)
... Catechumenate
... Enlightenment
... Mystagogia
Liturgical Stages
... Rite of Becoming a Catechumen
... Rite of Sending & Election
... Initiation
Definitions and Dates
RCIA: 9/02/09 - 4/14/10
...Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults; frequently called "catechumenate" or "Christian Initiation"
Evangelization
... Whatever leads a person to hear the word of God in such a way as to lead to initial conversion to the Lord.
Precatechumenate: 9/02/09 - 11/21/09 (Participants are called inquirers.)
... An informal introduction to the Catholic community, a period of discussion, prayer and discernment designed to help an individual make a decision about entering the catechumenate.
Rite of Becoming a Catechumen: 11/21/09, 5:00 P.M. Mass
... This is one of the major rites in which the inquirer requests entrance into the catechumenate and becomes a member in training.
Catechumenate: 11/21/09 - 2/21/10 (Participants are called catechumens.)
... A specific period of formation into the Christian Catholic community, including an intellectual understanding of the faith and an adult experience of it.
Rite of Sending to Election: 2/20/10, 5:00 P.M. Mass
Rite of Election: 2/21/10, 6:00 P.M. Service (Cathedral, Peoria)
... This is the major rite by which the catechumen, on the basis of testimony, is accepted for full membership in the Church.
Enlightenment/Purification: 2/21/10 - 4/03/10 (Participants are called the elect.)
... A period of intense spiritual preparation for initiation into the Church.
Rite of Initiation: 4/03/10, 7:30 P.M. Easter Vigil Mass
... This is the major rite by which the catechumen is initiated into the Church through Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.
Mystagogia: 4/03/10 - 5/03/11 (Participants are called neophytes.)
... A period of reflection, catechesis, service and integration into the community.
RCIA First Scrutiny Set Mar 7
During this period of Lent, the Elect and Candidates of the RCIA program will be examining their hearts and minds; closely scrutinizing their motives; asking the Lord to heal whatever is weak and unresponsive to Him in themselves and asking Him to strengthen whatever is good, strong and holy in them.
These moments of grace are celebrated ritually by three ceremonies called "Scrutinies" beginning with this Third Sunday of Lent through the next two Sundays. This rite will be celebrated at the 9:00 a.m. Mass, on March 7, 2010. Congratulations!
The Elect: Tori L. Ehrett, William Ewing, Jeffrey Jolly, Amber L. Olson, Kurt Thompson, Jume Wolter, Holly Beckham, Amberly Kizer, Melody Tisdale
Candidates: Tiffany Blanchard, Carlton Bode, Carolyn Bode, Jimmie Cope, Tanalia Cope, David Detweiller, Eric Huff, Thomas B. Kemper, Heidi Mathis, Kurt Schimmelpfenning, Paul Swanson, Timothy Thompson, Kristen Walraven
We also ask for prayers for our Inquirer: Sarafina Benton.
Lenten Tree Marks RCIA Milestone
The RCIA Elect and Candidates have entered their final stage of preparation for receiving the Sacraments at the Easter Vigil. The Lenten Tree, located on the Holy Family side of the Sanctuary holds the names and addresses of each individual. Please take one or two of the names, and show them your support by sending a card, or remembering them in your prayers.
How Do I Become a Catholic?
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the process by which adults become members of the Roman Catholic Church.
The Catholic formation of adults includes
- Doctrinal formation, believing with the Church community
- Practical formation, living with the Church community
- Liturgical formation, praying with the Church community
- Apostolic formation, serving with the Church community
How Is It Done?
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults re-institutes the early Church process called the 'catechumenate,' which employs these six principles:
- Conversion -- Each person is gently guided to turn and grow closer to God.
- Process -- Together we journey towards Christian initiation and the life in grace.
- Catechesis -- Instruction draws on the new Catechism of the Catholic Church.
- Scripture -- The New American Bible is used to share the Word of God.
- Liturgy -- Worship services are celebrated with the entire community.
- Sacraments -- Mysteries of salvation are experienced through signs and symbols.
How Is It Structured?
The RCIA process consists of four periods marked by three rites.
The first period is called the Pre-catechumenate. It's a period of informal introduction to the Catholic community, a time for inquirers to ask questions and gather information about the Church and her teachings.
Next comes the Catechumenate. Preceded by the Rite of Acceptance, this is a period of study when each candidate learns the fundamentals of our Faith and becomes a part of our Catholic community.
Part Three of the process, Enlightenment, is a period of spiritual preparation for initiation into the Church. It begins with the Rite of Election, where the candidates pass from one way of understanding the Christian life to another more discerning, zealous approach to a life in Christ.
During the Enlightenment period, candidates prepare themselves spiritually through repentance to celebrate the paschal mystery. It is a time spent thirsting for the waters of Baptism, whether you are anticipating baptism or have already been baptized.
The Enlightenment period concludes with the Rite of Initiation which takes place during the Easter Vigil celebration on Holy Saturday night. That is when the catechumen receives the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Holy Eucharist and becomes a fully initiated member of the Catholic Church.
Part Four of the RCIA process, Mystagogia, is a continuation of period of formation and education. During this period, newly baptized members reflect on their experiences at the Easter Vigil and continue to learn more about the Scriptures, the sacraments, and the teachings of the Catholic Church. In addition they reflect on how they will serve Christ and help in the Church's mission and outreach activities.
How Can You Help?
Any member of the Saint Joseph Roman Catholic community can join the RCIA process in any of several ways...
- Bring a friend to explore the Catholic Church
- Come and be a sponsor
- Pray for the RCIA candidates
- Go through RCIA as an Inquirer
The RCIA process begins September 2, 2009, and continues through April 14, 2010. Participants normally attend class from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday evenings at the Parish Center.
For more information about RCIA or about becoming a Catholic, please call the Parish Office at 347-6108, extension 210, or call Barb Pogioli at 346-9546.