St. Mary's Catholic Church
9505
Gayton Road, Richmond, Virginia 23229
804-740-4044 (office) | 804-740-2197 (fax)
RCIA
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
Contact Sr. Pat for more information.
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9505
Gayton Road, Richmond, Virginia 23229 |
RCIA Contact Sr. Pat for more information. |
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ABOUT OUR PARISH Welcome
Information MINISTRIES/ORGANIZATIONS Faith
Formation Ministries OTHER LINKS Scripture
Readings/Reflections
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Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults In their own words - Participants' Reflections The
RCIA Process | The Structure of RCIA |
RCIA Sponsors Click here for an information Flier about becoming Catholic. 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 7:00 pm Wednesdays in the Office Parlor. The Office parlor 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
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
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
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 - 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
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: This period is characterized by: +
A more intense time of spiritual preparation The Period of Purification and Enlightenment culminates in the
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. ROLE OF THE SPONSOR IN THE RCIA PROCESS THE
SPONSOR: 2.
Serves as a Companion on the Journey of Faith Benefits
for those who participate as sponsors: What
will it mean practically to be a sponsor? Requirements
if you want to be a sponsor: If
you are interested in becoming an RCIA Sponsor, you can either 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 - + 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::
If you would like to have a more active role in the RCIA process,
Printable Forms for RCIA (Adobe Acrobat Reader Required) RCIA Information Sheet (for Adults) RCIA Information Sheet (for Children) PENTECOST WITNESSES Participants in this past year's RCIA Process are happy to share how they have experienced God's actions in their lives. May their thoughts help us to have a deeper appreciation of our faith and what it means to be Church! Perhaps their words will encourage others who might be interested in becoming Catholic to look into the RCIA Process or inspire parishioners to consider becoming RCIA Sponsors. "The RCIA process has be an incredible journey for me. The whole RCIA team has been incredible. Their dedication and devotion has been inspiring and motivated me throughout the process. My baptism at the Easter Vigil was an experience I will never forget. The wonderful music and the love of the community were overwhelming. I look forward to Mass every Sunday and taking Communion as a full member of the Catholic Church." ~ Patrick DiServio "My spiritual journey began with a discussion between my mother and myself on having a closer relationship with God. It was then I learned about her family's connections to the Catholic faith, inspiring me to want to learn more about it. Then one day on my way home from work I noticed St. Mary's Catholic Church and through this might be a good place to start. After meeting with Sr. Pat I decided to join the RCIA where I discovered a wealth of knowledge about the Catholic faith and its traditions, but more importantly a true understanding of just how loving and accepting God could be. I have experienced many profound moments during my time with the RCIA but the one that hold the most meaning is our retreat to St. Joseph's Villa where we were asked to mold in clay our impression of what the RCIA had meant to each of us. For me it was a black board filled with the many wonders Jesus had brought to those choosing to believe in him, and how those insights could apply in my own life. It is something I will always hold dear." ~ Suzanne Misseri "The RCIA process was one of the most important decisions I have ever made. Strengthening my relationship with God through learning from the RCIA family and personal prayer has given me a solid foundation from which to grow in all aspects of life. My new parish family has provided me with support and guidance through good time and very rough personal times. I am blessed to have such a wonderful, supportive parish who comes together through Christ to unify and Love One Another. Blessed are the sponsors, RCIA Team & Sr. Pat for creating a forum where all are accepted and loved as Christ loves each and every one of us while providing loving guidance to knowing Christ, our Lord. I am blessed with my loving and ever supportive Godparents, Alicia and Mark Whiting. Thank you St. Mary's parishioners for all of your prayers throughout my journey. With great love and affection" ~ Kimberly Ryan "I journeyed through the RCIA program as a candidate in 2003. This year I was a sponsor for the third time. As a sponsor, the process provides the experience to share faith and grow in friendship with our Lord and one another. It offers the opportunity to respond to the call to be light and love, especially for those desiring to join our faith community. Each person is unique and each brings new experiences, but walking with someone along their personal journey is always a privilege and blessing. The process, for me personally, is a chance to commit to something beyond myself and allows for ongoing spiritual conversion." ~ Kim Riley "For the past year, I have participated in the RCIA program here at St. Mary's. I have ahd the pleasure to share this journey with my 3 children, who completed the RCIA adapted for children. I was baptized, confirmed, and received my first communion in the Lutheran Church. But when my family moved to Richmond in 1999, we never really found a church to call "home." However, all of that changed on Sunday morning while attending Mass at St. Mary's. My children had just transferred to St. Mary's School the previous year, and it was because of their heartfelt request that we decided to participate in the RCIA process of joining the Catholic Church. My initial thoughts of spending every Wednesday eveing with a group of "strangers" was a little overwhelming and daunting. But I quickly discovered that my heart and mind, desperately needed and looked forward to the weekly reflection and fellowship. I ahve enjoyed having the opportunity to study God's word and reflect on how each reading has significance in my life. But the best part of this process has been the sharing the past year with all of the sponsors, RCIA team members, and fellow Catechumens and Candidates. Their friendship and spirituality has made this process so special. I truly feel that I have found a "home" in St. Mary's Church. This program has far surpassed any expectations that I had. As I reflect over the past year, I can honestly say I am sad that my RCIA journey has come to an end. However, I do realize that my faith journey is really just beginning with the community of St. Mary's and for that I am truly blessed and thankful." ~ Marti Flanagan "Fr. Lewis nudged me into being a sponsor and I was scared to death. I thought you had to have all the answers and be an expert on the teachings of the church - you don't. Thank heavens we have the RCIA Team and Sr. Pat to guide us through those details. Being a sponsor means providing an open ear and heart to your candidate as they journey through the RCIA process. That really is all you ahve to do and you are rewarded ten fold with the opportunity to join someone's spiritual journey. The amazing part is without trying, you also enhance your understanding of what and why we practice the traditions of our church, and expand your journey with God as an added bonus. The very best part of being a sponsor is the unexpected friendship and bond that you may develop with your candidate and others going through the RCIA. I have been blessed with those friendships and every Easter Vigil brings back a flood of wonderful memories of their journeys." ~ Alicia Whiting "Perhaps you have given a thought to volunteering as a sponsor for someone participating in the RCIA process. I know I did, but thought I really wasn't qualified to do that. As it turns out, one evening while in the Lower Commons, Sister Pat approached me and asked if I would like to be a sponsor. I was taken by surprise. It was as through God was saying to me, "Enough, it's time to stop thinking and ACT!" He was God speaking to my heart, and Sister Pat looking at me as she waited for my response. What else could I do but say, "yes"? And, oh, what blessings I have received, as I continued to sponsor three individuals during the last four years. Each of these Candidates were so intent on completing their journey and learning all they could about the Catholic Church. And, I have gained so much. Yes, I gained their friendship, but I also learned so much more about being a Catholic. Always praying for guidance from God, I answered their questions, accompanied each to the weekly session, and gave them my support as their faith and determination grew ever stronger. When, at the Easter Vigil each one was accepted in full membership of the Catholic Church, I watched with pride in their fulfillment and thanked God for the gift I had accepted when I listened to His call, and responded affirmatively. Yes, it's a commitment, but there is support for you from the RCIA Team and Sister Pat and the others who take on the role of sponsor. Most of all, even as your support your candidate, you will ifnd support from him or her. And your faith will grow and you too, will be blessed." ~ Nancy Webb For more information about RCIA, click here
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