RCIA

When a person is not a Catholic but would like to be… What should they do?
Join the RCIA! The RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) is a process for people seeking membership in the Catholic Church. Classes are informal and take place evenings on a weekly basis for one hour at the Rectory. Our first session was held on WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 at 7 pm.

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults is more commonly referred to as RCIA. This is the process adults and children who have reached the age of reason go through so that they can be fully initiated into the Catholic faith. This journey is for anyone who would like to be baptized, receive first Holy Communion and be confirmed. If you were baptized in a Protestant denomination, the RCIA will help you complete the necessary steps to become a member of the Catholic church.

Who is the RCIA designed for? Persons who have never been baptized. Persons who have been baptized Catholic but not completed their sacraments of initiation (First Communion and Confirmation) and persons who have been raised and or are part of another religious tradition. We learn about what it means to be Catholic, what Catholics believe, and explore what it means to be a person of faith in the Catholic tradition.

The RCIA process involves weekly meetings, culminates with the reception of the sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil and continues with meetings until Pentecost. As with all sacraments, it should be remembered that they are beginnings, not ends. Meetings usually occur on a weeknight evening until Lent. During Lent the group attends the Liturgy of the Word portion of the Eucharist and then departs to continue its studies and to reflect on the Word just proclaimed. The sacraments are conferred when the RCIA team, the sponsors and the individuals involved discern that they have adequately developed their faith and are ready to receive the sacraments.

RCIA SPONSORS:
Being a sponsor in the RCIA program is a life giving experience. No experience is necessary. We are looking for people who would offer to walk the journey with one of our candidates/ catechumens until the Easter Vigil. A sponsor is just that, a friend in the parish who welcomes, and is available to answer questions about parish life, share faith and friendship with someone seeking membership in the church. Being a sponsor is not about what you know, it is just about being there for someone as they experience the process of learning what it means to be Catholic.

If you are interested in finding out more about the RCIA, if you know of anyone who might be a candidate for this journey, or if you are willing to help as a catechist or sponsor, please contact Kieran Lyons, Director of Religious Education at 773-763-8228. Classes are informal and for one hour in the Rectory.

The RCIA is adapted for children seven years of age and older who have not been baptized. Readiness for the sacrament is discerned in conversation with the Director of Religious Education.

Feel free to call with questions or concerns!
Parish Office
773-763-8228 or e-mail at mail.sttars@sbcglobal.net