RCIA
Celebrating the Call to to Continuing Conversion with our RCIA candidates
On Sunday, February 19th, our three RCIA candidates will attend the Rite of Election of Catechumens and of the Call to Continuing Conversion of Candidates preparing for Confirmation and Eucharist or Reception into the full communion of the church at Holy Name Cathedral with Francis Cardinal George. Kristine Reynolds, Jon Iwert and Paul Potter have been preparing to be received into the full communion of the Catholic Church since September. You may remember that they participated in the Rite of Acceptance here at St. Tars back in December. The Rite of Election is the second rite of the RCIA process.
So what does this mean? Jon, Kristine and Paul are already one with us in baptism. They grew up in other Christian traditions. Now they are preparing to join us in full communion. They will profess their faith in the Catholic Church, and receive the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation at the Easter Vigil. The Rite of Election gathers them with all others in the diocese who are coming to the Church as candidates for full communion, baptized Catholics completing their sacraments of initiation and with those who will be newly baptized, otherwise called “the elect.”
The elect are called so because the Church, at this rite, “chooses” them and accepts them into the final stage of preparation before the Easter sacraments of initiation. The rite is also referred to as the Rite of Enrollment of Names. Catechumens (a designation reserved for those who are preparing for baptism at the Easter Vigil) pledge their faithfulness at this rite and their names are inscribed in the book that lists those chosen for initiation.
Our candidates are also presented to and recognized and approved by the Cardinal in a distinct way. They shake the bishop’s hand and stand in the cathedral sanctuary alongside all other candidates. They are affirmed and supported by their sponsors and families. It is a sacred time. This rite marks the beginning of the period of final preparation for the sacraments; this is why it takes place right before Lent or at the beginning of Lent.
Amazingly, our archdiocese celebrates this rite of the RCIA process 5 times annually at the Cathedral, our mother church, so that all catechumens and candidates around the diocese can have this experience. It is a blessing to witness how many people continue to come to the church every year! It also demonstrates to the catechumens and candidates that they are not just joining a parish, but the church at large, a church that gives them unity with millions around the world.
Please keep Paul, Jon and Kristine in your prayers. They are a reminder to all of us that our faith life is a daily path of discovery and conversion.
Kieran Lyons |
 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.
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. RCIA is a process the church offers for adults to learn about the Catholic faith, ask questions, share conversation and seek understanding. Persons committed to the process walk a journey of faith that leads to celebration of the sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil.
Who is the RCIA for?
- Unbaptized persons (ages 7 thru adult) seeking to become Catholic, seeking full initiation in the Catholic Church.
- Folks who have been baptized in other traditions but would like to join the Catholic Church. We call this seeking full communion with the Catholic Church.
- Baptized Catholics who have not received the sacraments of Confirmation and First Communion, in other words, they wish to complete their initiation in the Catholic Church.
One of the most common ways people inquire or become a part of the RCIA is through the invitation of a friend or family member. If you know someone who has expressed an interest in becoming a Catholic or would like to learn more about it, please consider inviting them to ask about it. Call Kieran Lyons at 773-763-8228.
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.
|
