 Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
What is RCIA? The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
is the education portion of becoming a full member of the Catholic
Church. Through a combination of Sunday Bible breakout sessions and
Monday night teaching/discussion groups, candidates and catechumens
learn and grow in the Faith and Teachings of the Church and of Christ.
RCIA FAQS
Q. Does everyone who joins the Roman Catholic Church have to go through RCIA?
A. If you are an adult and have not completed the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation,
you need to complete RCIA for full membership in the Church.
Q. Is RCIA like Sunday school?
A. RCIA is more than Sunday school and more than an adult education process;
it is the beginning of a life journey for your discipleship with Christ.
 Q. Why do I have to attend RCIA from August to Pentecost, even though I have
been baptized a Roman Catholic and attended Catholic grade school, but did not
complete my sacraments?
A. While you may remember some teachings from childhood classes,
RCIA sessions are different than a classroom - we partake in fellowship
with other Christians, learning more about the Church's past, present,
and future, and most important, we are preparing for a lifetime of joy and
servant hood with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
The History of RCIA
RCIA is a Rite that started with the original Christians in the
first century. As people wanted to become Christians, they would be
instructed in the catacombs to avoid persecution (where we get our word
Catechumen). At the completion of the instruction, Catechumens would enter
the Church with a "laying of hands" by the apostles.
In 1966 at the conclusion of Vatican II, our church fathers reinstated
this process for those joining the Catholic Church - minus meeting in the
catacombs of course!
Contact Us
For additional information on the journey and how you can join in it either as a
basic inquirer or as someone who has already decided to be an official part of this
dynamic Roman Catholic parish, call the parish office at 219-365-5678 and ask to have
the RCIA information packet sent to you
For more information contact Deacon Robert Viviano
at (219) 365-5678, extension 265 or by e-mail at
.
Testimonials
"Knowledge is an important part of faith. Learning about the life of
Jesus inspires us and builds our faith. The RCIA program does a terrific job
of teaching and inspiring its participants about Jesus and the Catholic faith,
providing a solid foundation from which your faith will grow"
Eric Dahl - Class of 2004; RCIA team member 2006
"I began my RCIA class hoping to find clarity with my relationship with God.
Through the teaching and inspiration of the RCIA team, I found the clarity that I
was looking for by developing a better understanding of God's teachings and discovering
the peaceful power of prayer. My RCIA journey also taught me that we must be active and
passionate about our relationship with God so that we can use this passion to help enrich
the lives of others."
Joe Cash - Class of 2004; Sponsor 2006
"What a humbling experience to spiritually support an individual in becoming a
part of our Catholic Family. Guiding and assisting someone on the Bible teachings to
receiving our Lord's grace thought the Sacraments is a blessed experience. You truly
see the light of the Holy Spirit grow within a person through out the RCIA process."
Donna McCarthy - Sponsor 2006
"Through God's grace and love, I was called to conversion in the Roman Catholic
Faith. I will always take great comfort in knowing that my RCIA journey has provided a
means to learn, live and speak the Good News of Jesus. Though my RCIA classes ended,
my spiritual journey has just begun. I have realized His purpose for me in this life
so I can be with Him in Eternal Life."
Kelly Specius - Class of 2005; Sponsor 2006
Recommended Catholic Websites
|
