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.
This weekend, June 15th/16th , community members will give testimony to their faith filled experience being a sponsor. Hopefully their word of encouragement along with the help of the Holy Spirit will guide you as you prayerfully consider being a sponsor.
For more information contact Camille Grupy.
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.
This weekend, June 15th/16th , community members will give testimony to their faith filled experience being a sponsor. Hopefully their word of encouragement along with the help of the Holy Spirit will guide you as you prayerfully consider being a sponsor.
For more information contact Camille Grupy.
Congratulations to our Neophytes who were initiated into our treasured Catholic faith at the Easter Vigil on April 20, 2019:
Damon Alexander Freeman
Daisy Ellen Jackson
Charles Allen Swartz
Seth Surrency Fisher
Gregory Hall
Shaniya Hall
Noah Rewis
Oliver Rodriguez
Logan Swartz
Congratulations as well to Maribel Iverlise Cain and Melissa Gail Canada.
May the joy of the Easter season remain with you for a lifetime.
Congratulations to Caitlyn Molina, Christina and Anthony Nagle on receiving the Sacrament of
Confirmation on Easter Sunday, April 21, 2019.
May the Holy Spirit guide you throughout your faith life.
Thank you to those in our community who walked this journey with our Neophytes and Confirmand:
Cathy Riddle, Kathryn Bryant, Melissa Laberdee, TJ Freeman, Nathan Reilly, Damian Wosmek,
Pat and Patricia Snyder, Gregory and Saundra Hall, Jamie and Eric Hodges, Claudia Rodriguez,
Pamela Grierson, Jessica VanHoozer and Jeremy Hester.
Damon Alexander Freeman
Daisy Ellen Jackson
Charles Allen Swartz
Seth Surrency Fisher
Gregory Hall
Shaniya Hall
Noah Rewis
Oliver Rodriguez
Logan Swartz
Congratulations as well to Maribel Iverlise Cain and Melissa Gail Canada.
May the joy of the Easter season remain with you for a lifetime.
Congratulations to Caitlyn Molina, Christina and Anthony Nagle on receiving the Sacrament of
Confirmation on Easter Sunday, April 21, 2019.
May the Holy Spirit guide you throughout your faith life.
Thank you to those in our community who walked this journey with our Neophytes and Confirmand:
Cathy Riddle, Kathryn Bryant, Melissa Laberdee, TJ Freeman, Nathan Reilly, Damian Wosmek,
Pat and Patricia Snyder, Gregory and Saundra Hall, Jamie and Eric Hodges, Claudia Rodriguez,
Pamela Grierson, Jessica VanHoozer and Jeremy Hester.
Mystagogy
The RCIA gives fresh meaning to “time” when it states that mystagogy is “a time for the community and the neophytes to grow together in deepening their grasp of the paschal mystery and making it part of their
lives. This is accomplished through meditation on the Gospel, sharing in the Eucharist, and doing the Works of Charity. Mystagogy promotes faithful participation in the “Eucharistic Sacrifice, the source and
summit of the Christian life”.
(Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, International Commission on English in the Liturgy, Inc., 1985 [Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications, 1988], no. 244; see NDC, 35D). (Second Vatican Council,
Lumen Gentium, no. 11, in Vatican Council II: Volume 1: The Conciliar and Post Conciliar Documents, ed. Austin Flannery (Northport, NY: Costello Publishing, 1996)
In this final phase of the RCIA called “Mystagogy”, the neophytes are given the insight of the royal priesthood of Christ. With that grace, they are brought to the table to eat and drink the full presence of Christ in a way they have not yet fully encountered. The 50 days of Easter is a time to focus specifically on remembering that initiation into the Banquet in a systematic way and is primarily a liturgical experience that takes place in the midst of the Sunday assembly. The neophytes are gathered through the Easter season specifically to remember and explore their experience of initiation at the Vigil. We now support and help the neophytes enter the ongoing adult faith formation process with the rest of the baptized.
Our neophytes continue in the mystery of Mystagogy with their catechists and sponsors on Sunday mornings throughout the Easter season.
Please continue to hold the newest members of our parish in your prayers by welcoming them before and
after Mass. Embrace these opportunities to share your faith and encourage the neophytes as they continue their own journey of faith
The RCIA gives fresh meaning to “time” when it states that mystagogy is “a time for the community and the neophytes to grow together in deepening their grasp of the paschal mystery and making it part of their
lives. This is accomplished through meditation on the Gospel, sharing in the Eucharist, and doing the Works of Charity. Mystagogy promotes faithful participation in the “Eucharistic Sacrifice, the source and
summit of the Christian life”.
(Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, International Commission on English in the Liturgy, Inc., 1985 [Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications, 1988], no. 244; see NDC, 35D). (Second Vatican Council,
Lumen Gentium, no. 11, in Vatican Council II: Volume 1: The Conciliar and Post Conciliar Documents, ed. Austin Flannery (Northport, NY: Costello Publishing, 1996)
In this final phase of the RCIA called “Mystagogy”, the neophytes are given the insight of the royal priesthood of Christ. With that grace, they are brought to the table to eat and drink the full presence of Christ in a way they have not yet fully encountered. The 50 days of Easter is a time to focus specifically on remembering that initiation into the Banquet in a systematic way and is primarily a liturgical experience that takes place in the midst of the Sunday assembly. The neophytes are gathered through the Easter season specifically to remember and explore their experience of initiation at the Vigil. We now support and help the neophytes enter the ongoing adult faith formation process with the rest of the baptized.
Our neophytes continue in the mystery of Mystagogy with their catechists and sponsors on Sunday mornings throughout the Easter season.
Please continue to hold the newest members of our parish in your prayers by welcoming them before and
after Mass. Embrace these opportunities to share your faith and encourage the neophytes as they continue their own journey of faith
|
The Bulletin Board has been updated! |
Our Bulletin Board has been updated. Please stop and take a look, put a name to the face.
The Elect and Godparents
Candidates and Sponsors
Confirmandi and Sponsors
he 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.
The Lenten Period of Purification and Enlightenment:
The period of purification and enlightenment, which the Rite of Election begins, customarily coincides with Lent. In the liturgy and liturgical catechesis of Lent, the reminder of baptism already received, or preparation for its reception, as well as the theme of repentance, renew the entire community along with those being prepared to celebrate the paschal mystery. For both the elect and the local community, the Lenten season is a time for spiritual recollection in preparation for the celebration of the paschal mystery. This is a period of more intense spiritual preparation, consisting more of interior reflection than in catechetical instruction. This period is intended to purify the minds and hearts of the elect as they search their own consciences and do penance. It is also a time in which they strive to enlighten their mind and heart with a deeper knowledge of Christ the Saviour. The celebration of certain rites, particularly the scrutinies, bring about this process of purification and enlightenment and extends over the course of the entire Lenten season.
What are the scrutinies?
The scrutinies are a series of liturgical rites for the spiritual benefit of the Elect held during the 40 days of Lent. The scrutinies are solemnly celebrated on Sundays and reinforced by exorcism. This is a time for self-searching and repentance, and have above all a spiritual purpose. They are meant to uncover and heal all that is weak, defective, or sinful in the hearts of the Elect; to bring out, then strengthen all that is upright, strong, and good. The scrutinies are celebrated in order to deliver the elect from the power of sin and Satan, to protect them against temptation, and to give them strength in Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life. These rites, therefore, should strengthen the conversion of the Elect, deepen their resolve to hold fast to Christ, and carry out their decision to love God above all.
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.
The Lenten Period of Purification and Enlightenment:
The period of purification and enlightenment, which the Rite of Election begins, customarily coincides with Lent. In the liturgy and liturgical catechesis of Lent, the reminder of baptism already received, or preparation for its reception, as well as the theme of repentance, renew the entire community along with those being prepared to celebrate the paschal mystery. For both the elect and the local community, the Lenten season is a time for spiritual recollection in preparation for the celebration of the paschal mystery. This is a period of more intense spiritual preparation, consisting more of interior reflection than in catechetical instruction. This period is intended to purify the minds and hearts of the elect as they search their own consciences and do penance. It is also a time in which they strive to enlighten their mind and heart with a deeper knowledge of Christ the Saviour. The celebration of certain rites, particularly the scrutinies, bring about this process of purification and enlightenment and extends over the course of the entire Lenten season.
What are the scrutinies?
The scrutinies are a series of liturgical rites for the spiritual benefit of the Elect held during the 40 days of Lent. The scrutinies are solemnly celebrated on Sundays and reinforced by exorcism. This is a time for self-searching and repentance, and have above all a spiritual purpose. They are meant to uncover and heal all that is weak, defective, or sinful in the hearts of the Elect; to bring out, then strengthen all that is upright, strong, and good. The scrutinies are celebrated in order to deliver the elect from the power of sin and Satan, to protect them against temptation, and to give them strength in Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life. These rites, therefore, should strengthen the conversion of the Elect, deepen their resolve to hold fast to Christ, and carry out their decision to love God above all.
Prayer for the Elect
Life-Giving Father, You desire that we may be one in Christ, So that all creation may give You Praise. Look kindly upon the Elect and Candidates whom you have fed at the table of your Word, and strengthen them as they approach the Sacrament of Initiation to be reborn and anointed as your own. We pray especially for the Elect of our parish: Damon Alexander Freeman, Daisy Ellen Jackson, Charles Allen Swartz, Seth Fisher, Gregory Hall, Shaniya Hall, Noah Rewis, Oliver Rodriguez, and Logan Swartz. Through the power of your Word, our life of prayer, and the example of Christ’s love we share with those in need, may they soon rejoice at the table of the Eucharist. There we shall stand as one body united in the Holy Spirit To offer you praise and thanksgiving through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Life-Giving Father, You desire that we may be one in Christ, So that all creation may give You Praise. Look kindly upon the Elect and Candidates whom you have fed at the table of your Word, and strengthen them as they approach the Sacrament of Initiation to be reborn and anointed as your own. We pray especially for the Elect of our parish: Damon Alexander Freeman, Daisy Ellen Jackson, Charles Allen Swartz, Seth Fisher, Gregory Hall, Shaniya Hall, Noah Rewis, Oliver Rodriguez, and Logan Swartz. Through the power of your Word, our life of prayer, and the example of Christ’s love we share with those in need, may they soon rejoice at the table of the Eucharist. There we shall stand as one body united in the Holy Spirit To offer you praise and thanksgiving through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
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.
