R.C.I.A.  - Christian Initiation of Adults

The order of Christian Initiation of Adults is a restoration of the ancient practice of initiation in the church, and is divided into various periods and steps that respect and support the individual’s journey in faith. These classes generally meet once a week and involve small group discussion with emphasis on the Holy Bible, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and the New Catholic Vision by Father Mark Link, S.J. The periods and their accompanying transition steps are:

Period of Inquiry/Evangelization or Pre-Catechumenate
Rite of Acceptance
Period of the Catechumenate
Rite of Election
Period of Purification and Enlightenment
Celebration of Initiation Sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist
Period of Mystagogy

Period of Inquiry/Evangelization or Pre-Catechumenate

The period of pre-Catechumenate takes place when the individual begins to respond to a personal desire to seek God within our Saint Mary Community. The reasons vary and are as many as the individuals. This is a period of searching, asking questions, and the initial stirrings of faith and is a time of no fixed duration. It provides the opportunity to learn about the Catholic faith, ask questions, and prayerfully discern whether you are being called to become a Catholic.

The period of inquiry has as its purpose to:
- become acquainted with the Catholic Church
- hear the good news of salvation from Jesus Christ our Savior
- look within at one's own life story and see connections to or needs for the gospel story of good news

This period lasts as long as the person needs it to last, from a few months to several years, if necessary. During the pre-Catechumenate, stories of the Catholic community are told to the inquirer: gospel stories, stories about the Catholic Church, personal stories of faith, and stories of the parish. The inquiring can raise questions and concerns they have about following the Lord in the Catholic Community. We meet every Monday from 7 - 9pm in the parish center. All are welcome!

First Step: Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens
This rite of acceptance into the order of catechumens is the first of the public rites celebrated in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. During this most important ritual, the inquirers publicly declare their intention to continue their journey toward full initiation in the Catholic Church, and the community accepts them, offering its support and witness during the journey. Now the candidates are called catechumens, that is, those within whom the word echoes and resounds.

Period of the Catechumenate
The period of Catechumenate is a time for nurturing and growth in the catechumens' faith journey through the celebration of the Word, prayers, and a continued understanding of the Catholic faith. During this period, the initial conversion is deepened and the person comes to know more deeply the love of God in their own lives. This period can last from a few months to several years if necessary.

Second step: Election or Enrollment of Names
The second step is called both election and enrollment of names and closes the period of Catechumenate. The Rite of Election is celebrated on the first Sunday of Lent. The Church formally recognizes the catechumens (now the elect) readiness for the reception of the sacraments of initiation and the elect express their will to receive these sacraments.

Period of Purification and Enlightment
The period of purification and enlightment is a time that immediately precedes the elect's initiation at the Easter Vigil. It is a time of reflection and is centered on conversion. This period is intended to enlighten the minds and hearts of the elect with a deeper knowledge of Christ the Savior. It is marked with the celebrations of the scrutinies and the presentation of the Creed and the Lord's Prayer.

Third Step: Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation
The third step in Christian initiation of adults usually takes place at the Easter Vigil. The elect are initiated through the celebration of the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist. They are now full members of the Catholic Church.

Period of Mystagogia
The period of Mystagogya lasts from Easter Sunday until Pentecost Sunday, fifty days later, and completes the initiation process. Those that have just shared in the Sacraments are now called Neophytes. They experience being fully a part of the Christian community by participating with all the faithful in the Sunday Mass.

Interested?
Call our parish office at (727) 896-2191 or email us at info@stmaryolg.org and we will be glad to help you on your faith journey.