Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
RCIA is a liturgically based formation process for adults and children who wish to join the Roman Catholic Church. RCIA is for non-baptized adults and children of catechetical age (7 and over) who wish to receive the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. RCIA is also for adults and children of catechetical age baptized into another Christian faith tradition who wish to complete their Christian Initiation within the Roman Catholic faith tradition by receiving Conformation and Eucharist. Additionally, RCIA is for adults who though baptized into the Roman Catholic tradition have received no further sacraments. Non-baptized adults and children who enter this process are called catechumens while those already baptized are called candidates. Sacred Heart's RCIA program begins each fall and continues until Easter of the following year. The parish assembly has an important role to play in the Initiation process. It is often their Christian witness that draws people to this particular church; it is their prayers and patterns of Christian living that help sustain and mentor the catechumens and candidates on their journey and it is the assembly that sends them to the diocesan Bishop for election to the Easter sacraments of Initiation. At the Easter Vigil the assembly, present at each ritual stage of the RCIA, joyfully welcomes the neophytes (the new members). The assembly also provides particular members to act as catechists and sponsors.
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
This program is the way in which adults of other faiths or the unbaptized join the Catholic Church. RCIA is a process that culminates with the Easter Vigil celebrated on the Saturday night before Easter. During this process, candidates meet with parish sponsors to pray, share insights, grow in the faith, and learn more about the Catholic tradition within the setting of a group faith-sharing experience. Each year, Catholics from the parish volunteer to serve as sponsors and team members.
RCIA Adapted for Children (CIC)
This is a process of Initiation into the Catholic faith available for unbaptized children who are of catechetical age (seven years and older). This process is separate from and in addition to the Academy and parish religious education classes. It involves celebration of the Word, catechesis, conversion, celebration of the rites and the involvement of the sponsor and the parish community.
Contact Deacon Larry Fussman for more information at 772-1385.
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