Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

R.C.I.A. 2008-2009 Important Dates

2008-2009 classes:
September 3, 2008 through April 22, 2009

Watch this page for Fall and Winter RCIA updates!

Rites and Scrutinies

November, 2008
... 11-22-2008 Rite of Acceptance 5:00 p.m. Mass

February, 2009
... 2-28-2009 Rite of Sending to Election 5:00 p.m. Mass

March, 2009
... 3-01-2009 Rite of Election @ St. Mary's Cathedral 6:30 p.m.
... 3-15-2009 1st Scrutiny 9:00 a.m. Mass
... 3-18-2009 Presentation of Creed 5:30 p.m. Mass
... 3-22-2009 2nd Scrutiny 9:00 a.m. Mass
... 3-29-2009 3rd Scrutiny 11:00 a.m. Mass

April, 2009
... 4-01-2009 Presentation of Lord’s Prayer 5:30 p.m. Mass
... 4-11-2009 Easter Vigil 7:30 p.m.
... 4-22-2009 R.C.I.A. Potluck @ 6:00 p.m.

May 11, 2009
... 5-22-2009 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 2008-2009

Periods of Formation
... Evangelization (Precatechumenate)
... Catechumenate
... Enlightenment
... Mystagogia

Liturgical Stages
... Rite of Becoming a Catechumen
... Rite of Sending & Election
... Initiation

Definitions and Dates

RCIA: 9/03/08 - 4/22/09
...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: 9/03/08 - 11/22/08 (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: 11/22/08, 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: 11/22/08 - 3/01/09 (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: 2/28/09, 5:00 P.M. Mass

Rite of Election: 3/01/09, 6:30 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: 3/01/09 - 4/11/09 (Participants are called the elect.)
... A period of intense spiritual preparation for initiation into the Church.

Rite of Initiation: 4/11/09, 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: 4/11/09 - 5/11/10 (Participants are called neophytes.)
... A period of reflection, catechesis, service and integration into the community.

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 3, 2008, and continues through April 11, 2009. 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.