St. Mary's RCIA

THE RCIA PROCESS

The RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is the process by which adults become Catholic. It is called a Process because it is a time of discerning and ritualizing stages of conversion within the faith journey of adults. It is called a Rite because, starting with the Period of the Catechumenate, each period of the process is introduced by a rite which is celebrated with the worshiping community.

The RCIA Process is open to those who have never been baptized, those who have been baptized in another Christian denomination and are interested in becoming Catholic, and those who were baptized Catholic, but have never received the Sacraments of Confirmation or Eucharist. Those who participate in the process are called Catechumens (if they have never been baptized), or Candidates (if they have already been baptized).

Meeting Dates:

Our Inquiry Sessions meet at 10:00 am on Sunday mornings in the St. Anne Room. The St. Anne Room is located on the Lower Level in the Parish Office Area.

Participation in the RCIA Process:

You can become involved in the RCIA Process either as a participant (someone seeking to become Catholic) or as a sponsor (someone accompanying a participant in the RCIA).

If you are interested in more information on the Process, you can either
** Call Sr. Pat at St. Mary's Church, 804-740-4044, extension 13;
** Email Sr. Pat at patmccarthysfcc@stmarysrichmond.org.

THE STRUCTURE OF THE RCIA PROCESS

I. Period of Inquiry or Precatechumenate (Learn More ...)

+ Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens

II. Period of the Catechumenate (Learn More ...)

+ Rite of Election

III. Period of Purification and Enlightenment (Learn More ...)

+ Sacraments of Initiation

IV. Period of Mystagogy (Learn More ...)

DETAILED EXPLANATION OF THE RCIA PROCESS AND THE RITES

1. Period of Inquiry or Precatechumenate

The journey of conversion is a gradual process, and this phase is the first step on the journey. The sessions are informal. They focus on the life stories of the participants, the questions which they bring concerning the Catholic faith and practices, and an introduction to the Gospel message of salvation.

When inquirers are ready to take the next step in the conversion process, the community joins them by celebrating the

RITE OF ACCEPTANCE INTO THE ORDER OF CATECHUMENS
(for Catechumens - those preparing for baptism)
RITE OF WELCOMING
(for Candidates - those preparing for full membership into the Catholic Church)

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2. Period of the Catechumenate

Following the celebration of this Rite, during which the Catechumens and Candidates have publicly stated their desire to continue on this faith journey, they enter a more formal process of formation. This period is characterized by catechesis (teaching and formation in the life, mission, and apostolic witness of the Church) in:

             + The Word - Scripture and Tradition -
             + Worship and Prayer - in the context of the Liturgical Year and the Sunday Eucharist -
             + Community - in which the Community assumes its baptismal responsibility for initiation -
             + Service - involvement in the ministries of the community

Once the Catechumens are discerned as ready to take the next step in the process of conversion, the Community sends the Catechumens (those who have not been baptized) to the Bishop, at the Cathedral, on the First Sunday of Lent, to celebrate the

RITE OF ELECTION

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3. Period of Purification and Enlightenment

This period begins the final stage of preparation for the Sacraments of Initiation which will be celebrated at the Easter Vigil. From this time forward:
1) The Catechumens are called "The Elect", and special rites are celebrated for them as they prepare for the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist, which they will receive at the Easter Vigil.
2) The Candidates begin their final preparation to be received as full members of the Catholic Church through a profession of faith, and the reception of the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil.

This period is characterized by:

                                 + A more intense time of spiritual preparation
                                 + Celebration of the Lenten Rites
                                 + A Time of Retreat
                                 + Final Preparation for the Sacraments of Initiation

The Period of Purification and Enlightenment culminates in the

RITE OF INITIATION AT THE EASTER VIGIL

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4. Period of Mystagogy

Following the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation, the RCIA Process continues with a Period of Mystogogy (a Greek word meaning "entering into the mysteries.") This post-Easter time, which lasts until Pentecost, helps the newly initiated members of the Catholic Faith to celebrate their new faith more deeply, and to enter into the mission of the Church.

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ROLE OF THE SPONSOR IN THE RCIA PROCESS

THE SPONSOR:
          1. Represents the Catholic Community
               + Accompanies a person, who is going through the RCIA process, on their faith journey
               + Is willing to be a friend, witness and guide to that person
               + Introduces the catechumen or candidate to other parishioners, activities and                   organizations of the community
               + Serves as a bridge to the Community

          2. Serves as a Companion on the Journey of Faith
               + Supports and listens
               + Is open and honest
               + Shows mutual respect - differing view points, history, confidentiality

Benefits for those who participate as sponsors:
          + A renewal or deepening of your faith relationship with God
          + An opportunity to form new and lasting relationships
          + A strong experience of community and belonging
          + A better sense of identity with Church and Community

What will it mean practically to be a sponsor?
          + Sharing your faith
          + Spending time with your Catechumen or Candidate
          + Being present and actively participating in the RCIA Process

Requirements if you want to be a sponsor:
          + You must be Catholic and have
               + A willingness to share and explore your Catholic Faith, and
               + A desire to grow in your relationship with God and the Catholic Church,                   and
               + Attend Sponsor Formation Workshops

If you are interested in becoming an RCIA Sponsor, you can either
** Call Sr. Pat at St. Mary's Church, 804-740-4044, extension 13;
** Email Sr. Pat at patmccarthysfcc@stmarysrichmond.org;

Is there an RCIA Process for Children?

Yes, there is. RCIA (adapted for Children) is the children's counterpart of the Adult RCIA Process. It is designed for children (3rd grade or older) who have never been baptized, or who were baptized into another Christian denomination, and who want to join the Catholic Church. The structure for the this Process is modeled on the RCIA Process.

The RCIA process (adapted for Children) provides an age-appropriate faith journey for those children who are not baptized and who are interested in becoming Catholic, as well as those children who have been baptized in another Christian denomination and have not received the other Sacraments of Initiation. Children who participate in this process will also receive the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil.

Children who participate in the RCIA process should also attend the regular Christian Formation Program offered by the Parish.

For more information please contact Sr. Pat at 740-4044 ext 13, or by email at patmccarthysfcc@stmarysrichmond.org .

THE RCIA PROCESS AND THE COMMUNITY

The RCIA Process involves the whole Parish Community. How?

AS EVANGELIZERS - by encouraging others (spouses, friends, colleagues, etc.) to consider becoming members of the Catholic Church.

AS SPONSORS - by responding to the invitation to become sponsors, by accompanying a person seeking to become Catholic on their journey of faith.

AS MEMBERS OF THE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY - by recognizing that, as a community, as the "Assembly," we manifest the Lord's presence to those who are seeking to join us in faith, by our words, and by our gestures of hospitality.

PARTICIPATION IN THE LITURGICAL RITES - Because it is the whole community that evangelizes, we need to be aware of the importance of our involvement in the process. The Rites (the liturgical celebrations which precede three of the periods of the Process) take place at one of the weekend liturgies. The Assembly has an inportant role to play in theseLiturgical Rites:

+ at the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens/Rite of Welcoming of Candidates -
the community welcomes the catechumens and candidates.

+ at the Rite of Election - the community affirms and supports the Elect and the Candidates to Continuing Conversion

+ at the Lenten Scrutinies - the community prays for the spiritual healing of the Elect

+ at the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil - the community welcomes the Elect and the Candidates into the Church

At all times the Community::
                  + Evangelizes
                  + Extends hospitality
                  + Prays
                  + Celebrates the work of conversion in its own life and that of others.

If you would like to have a more active role in the RCIA process,
please contact Sr. Pat (740-4044 ext 13) or
patmccarthysfcc@stmarysrichmond.org

Printable Forms for RCIA (Adobe Acrobat Reader Required)

RCIA Information Sheet (for Adults)

RCIA Information Sheet (for Children)