Are you interested in joining the Catholic Church? Are you curious about the faith, and would like to learn more? Are you married to a Catholic, raising your children Catholic, or interested in knowing more to be able to share with them? Are you an adult baptized Catholic in need of complete initiation with Eucharist and Confirmation? Sacrament preparation is included in this program. If you join us this fall, your curiosity will be satisfied, the information you seek will be provided and you will have an opportunity to interact with other adults in a meaningful and spirit-filled way. 

The R.C.I.A. program is being conducted by a team of volunteers led by Rev. James Otto, Deacon Charles Lindsay, Sr. Mary Beth Geraghty, RSM.  The Program is also open to any Catholic wishing to learn more about the Catholic Faith. If interested, please call the Rectory at 215-673-8127. Classes are held on Thursday evenings beginning on October 7, 2010 at 7 PM in the Lower Chapel Meeting Room.

 An invitation to learn more about the Catholic Faith through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is extended to any interested adult! The RCIA process is one that brings together people whose journey of faith has led them to learn about Jesus and His Love for each one of us and His Church.

Who Should Participate in the RCIA?

• Persons not baptized; interested in the Catholic Church;

• Persons baptized in a different religion who would like to become Catholic;

• Persons baptized in the Catholic Church but who did not receive First Communion or Confirmation;

· Persons baptized Catholic who would like to know more about their faith.

 RCIA Support Team ...Your help is Needed

 How would like to help our candidates walk the journey to become fully initiated into the Catholic Faith. A support team is being formed to assist the RCIA Coordinators. If you interested, please call Sr. Mary Beth, 215-673-4010 or Deacon Lindsay (267-266-2201). Meetings will be held on Thursday evenings beginning October 7.

 
What Is R.C.I.A.

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.)is a process of conversion. As of September 1988, this Rite is the accepted process for receiving new members into the Catholic Church. Very often confusion exists about the Rite because the terminology is foreign to us. The following will define some of the terms for you. R.C.I.A. consists of four formation periods: Pre-Catechumenate, Catechumenate, Enlightenment or Purification, and Mystagogy.

1. Pre-Catechumenate: This period is often compared to the dating in a relationship; it is a time for getting to know one another better. It is a time for inquirers to ask questions and listen, a time for faith sharing. Those having gone through this stage and desiring to proceed toward reception into the Church will take part in the Rite of Acceptance. It marks the beginning of the next period.

2. Catechumenate: Inquirers are now referred to as catechuments (those moving toward Baptism) and candidates (those already Baptized but coming into full communion.) They are now joined by sponsors who will assist them as companions, guides, and models through the process. This period of the R.C.I.A. will last until Lent, and it is during this period that teaching will take place. The teaching will be twofold: 1) reflection on the Sunday readings and 2) a study of the faith which takes place weekly. On the first Sunday of Lent, the catechumens and candidates will participate in the RITE OF ELECTION. This period marks the beginning of the third period, Purification or Enlightenment.

3. Purification or Enlightenment: A prayerful, penitential retreat phase of preparation which lasts for six weeks of Lent. Catechumens are baptized and candidates are received into full communion at the Easter Vigil. The community offers its final gesture of welcome and shares at the table of the Lord with those who have been preparing for this moment.

4. Mystagogy: The fourth and final period comes from the Greek word meaning mystery. During this time, we reflect on and explain sacraments just received and their meaning in our lives. It is also a time to learn about the parish and to discern how participation as new members of this parish will take shape. This stage ends at the feast of Pentecost, but in reality it continues for the rest of a Christian’s life. Conversion is a life-long process.