-Do you know someone who has expressed an interest in becoming Catholic? -If you are not Catholic, have you thought of becoming a Catholic yourself?
If the answer to any of these questions is “yes” or “maybe,” then call Lisa Wangler for more information about the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).
RCIA classes meet Tuesday evenings from September through May.
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults has its roots in the ancient Church, reaching back from the close of the First Century to the beginning of the Sixth Century. However, one of the directives of Vatican Council II was to restore and renew the Catechumenate-the ancient rites and process of adult faith formation.
The restored Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults welcomes through the sacraments of initiation adults who have never been baptized; adults who have been baptized in other Christian communities; adults who were baptized Catholic but have not been catechized. Those who have never been baptized (Catechumens) receive baptism, confirmation and Eucharist. Men and women who have been baptized in other Christian communities or who are baptized and not catechized Catholic (Candidates) make a profession of faith, and receive confirmation and Eucharist and are welcomed into full communion in the Catholic Church.
The RCIA is ultimately about adult conversion and faith formation in a welcoming community. Adults experience our community, have opportunities to participate in scripture study, church teaching, faith sharing, friendship with a sponsor or godparent, and in the rituals that mark their progress toward the Easter Vigil.