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
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.
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. 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. 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.
