RCIA- Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
A Call for Sponsors
The RCIA ministry is a process by which adults seek to become Catholic by journeying towards the Initiation Sacraments of Baptism,
Confirmation and Eucharist.
A vital part of this ministry is YOU—the community—because you pray for and encourage these adults. One special way you can be involved is to consider being a sponsor: a calling from God to accompany an adult seeking what you already have. It has nothing to do with “worthiness” or “being an expert on Catholicism”: it is ordinary people expressing the extraordinary presence of God in their lives through faith, actions, prayers, and a willingness to support someone else.
For more information contact Camille Grupy,
910-424-6802 or alcam116@embarqmail.com or
Patricia Kamionka at Faith Formation Office 425-5617
The RCIA ministry is a process by which adults seek to become Catholic by journeying towards the Initiation Sacraments of Baptism,
Confirmation and Eucharist.
A vital part of this ministry is YOU—the community—because you pray for and encourage these adults. One special way you can be involved is to consider being a sponsor: a calling from God to accompany an adult seeking what you already have. It has nothing to do with “worthiness” or “being an expert on Catholicism”: it is ordinary people expressing the extraordinary presence of God in their lives through faith, actions, prayers, and a willingness to support someone else.
For more information contact Camille Grupy,
910-424-6802 or alcam116@embarqmail.com or
Patricia Kamionka at Faith Formation Office 425-5617
Next RCIA Inquiry sessions begin April 19, 2020.
The Rite of Christian Initiation
The Historical Roots:
Often called “the catechumenate,” the RCIA (formation of adults) or RCIC (formation of children) is a
process of faith development and catechetical instruction which culminates full membership in the Christian Roman Catholic Community - the reception of the “Sacraments of Initiation”: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. This journey of faith is similar to the one people made when joining the early Church
communities. Today’s revised process, promulgated in 1972, calls on the entire parish community for involvement and prayerful support.
Inquiry and Its Rite:
During the first stage in the faith journey, inquirers begin to form relationships with one another and with
their Catechists. Sessions are informal, with life stories shared and curiosities about “things Catholic” answered. When a decision to continue in the process is made, inquirers obtain sponsors or godparents to mentor them along the way. Then, the Rite of Acceptance Into the Order of Catechumens is celebrated within the community’s Sunday Mass.
Catechumenate and Its Rites:
With the Rite of Acceptance, those who have not been baptized officially become Catechumens, while those who are baptized become Candidates. Now they learn specifics about the Catholic faith,
specially the sacraments. Sessions become more instructional, with an emphasis on breaking open the Word of God in the Sunday readings. Several optional rites may be celebrated during this period which precedes the Season of Lent.
Sunday March 22, we celebrate the Rite of Welcome and Acceptance for those who have chosen to be a part of the RCIA process. This Rite begins their journey towards full initiation into the Catholic Church. We as a community welcome them as they accept our support in a desire to become one with us in Christ.
The Historical Roots:
Often called “the catechumenate,” the RCIA (formation of adults) or RCIC (formation of children) is a
process of faith development and catechetical instruction which culminates full membership in the Christian Roman Catholic Community - the reception of the “Sacraments of Initiation”: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. This journey of faith is similar to the one people made when joining the early Church
communities. Today’s revised process, promulgated in 1972, calls on the entire parish community for involvement and prayerful support.
Inquiry and Its Rite:
During the first stage in the faith journey, inquirers begin to form relationships with one another and with
their Catechists. Sessions are informal, with life stories shared and curiosities about “things Catholic” answered. When a decision to continue in the process is made, inquirers obtain sponsors or godparents to mentor them along the way. Then, the Rite of Acceptance Into the Order of Catechumens is celebrated within the community’s Sunday Mass.
Catechumenate and Its Rites:
With the Rite of Acceptance, those who have not been baptized officially become Catechumens, while those who are baptized become Candidates. Now they learn specifics about the Catholic faith,
specially the sacraments. Sessions become more instructional, with an emphasis on breaking open the Word of God in the Sunday readings. Several optional rites may be celebrated during this period which precedes the Season of Lent.
Sunday March 22, we celebrate the Rite of Welcome and Acceptance for those who have chosen to be a part of the RCIA process. This Rite begins their journey towards full initiation into the Catholic Church. We as a community welcome them as they accept our support in a desire to become one with us in Christ.
PRAYER FOR THE RCIA
O God, we thank you for implanting the gift of faith in human hearts.
We thank you for sending Jesus your son, as the fullness of your love.
May his life and mission lead us to share in your divine life.
We ask you to bless in a special way all inquirers, catechumens, and candidates, who have generously responded to the invitation of Jesus:
"Come follow me.”
Help them to persevere in their journey of faith despite any difficulties.
Bless all those who minister through the RCIA process so that, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, they may lead others to a life of faith in Jesus Christ. Grant that all parishioners will take an active role in bringing new members into the Church. Call us all to a renewal of our faith, and inspire us all to be your light in the world.
Amen.
O God, we thank you for implanting the gift of faith in human hearts.
We thank you for sending Jesus your son, as the fullness of your love.
May his life and mission lead us to share in your divine life.
We ask you to bless in a special way all inquirers, catechumens, and candidates, who have generously responded to the invitation of Jesus:
"Come follow me.”
Help them to persevere in their journey of faith despite any difficulties.
Bless all those who minister through the RCIA process so that, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, they may lead others to a life of faith in Jesus Christ. Grant that all parishioners will take an active role in bringing new members into the Church. Call us all to a renewal of our faith, and inspire us all to be your light in the world.
Amen.
