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Becoming Catholic through RCIAJust What is RCIA?
The Second Vatican
Council recommended that the Church renew its way of receiving Adult
Candidates. A revised rite called the Rite of Christian Initiation
of Adults (RCIA) was approved by Pope Paul VI in 1972 and has become the
norm for the Church. RCIA stresses formation in doctrine, liturgy,
Church life, and service and involves the larger Church community in
welcoming, instructing, helping and praying for Candidates.
RCIA has four stages. The first is the Period of Inquiry which may lasts from several weeks to many months. During this stage candidates are invited to ask questions about the Church, share their own faith stories, and decide whether they wish to continue.
Those who do
continue celebrate the Rite of Becoming Catechumenate. This is a
more intense period of instruction and introduction to liturgy,
faith-life, and service.
The Rite of
Election, which normally takes place on the First Sunday of Lent, marks
the transition between the Catechumenate and the third stage,
Enlightenment and Purification. This stage covers the season of
Lent and includes special liturgical ceremonies at the Lenten Masses, as
well as more intense preparation through prayer and study. It
climaxes at the Easter Vigil with the sacraments of Initiation-baptism,
confirmation, and the holy Eucharist.
The final stage of
the RCIA is the Post-baptismal Catechesis (Mystagogia) This stage
lasting from Easter to Pentecost focuses on the mysteries (Mystagogia)
of Christ's death and resurrection and helps the newly baptized to
develop a deeper understanding of their faith. They now share
fully in the Eucharist and are asked to live the Gospel in their daily
lives and to perform works of service for others.
The RCIA is the
process by which non baptized candidates are received into the Catholic
Church. Baptized members of other Christian denominations who wish
to join the Catholic Church are not baptized again, but are received
into the Church through penance, profession of faith, confirmation, and
the holy Eucharist. The stages of the RCIA may be adapted to meet
their needs.
The RCIA can also
serve as a focus for ongoing conversion for all members of the Catholic
Church. As Catholics see new candidates learning the doctrine,
they are encouraged to study their faith. As they participate in
the liturgical ceremonies welcoming new members, they can renew their
own commitment to Christ.
As they see the
newly baptized begin ministries of service, they are encouraged to serve
more generously. And those who act as sponsors, teachers, and
"prayer partners" for the candidates have abundant
opportunities for personal growth.
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| Thanks to Shelly | |
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All Rights Reserved 2004. http://www.stmarysavannah.org
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If
you are Interested in becoming Catholic, please talk to Father
Kirk. If you are already Catholic, why don't you become a Sponsor
for someone? See Sherri Schachle at church.
