RCIA

Interested in going through RCIA?

The RCIA classes begin Wednesday, September 4th at 7pm in the Parish Center. Prior to the start of RCIA, you’ll need to fill out this registration form and contact Mark Scamp or Barbara Pogioli. Look here for the 2012-2013 RCIA class and events schedule.

How Do I Become a Catholic?

RCIA, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, is the process by which adults become members of the Roman Catholic Church. It’s a period of study and formation where you learn bout the Catholic faith and prepare yourself to receive the Sacraments that make you a full member of our Catholic community.

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

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.

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