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RCIA - Adults Becoming Catholic
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
learn about OLM's RCIA program.
The Baptism, Confirmation and First Eucharist for
Adults in the Catholic Church
From the Catechism of the Catholic Church -- USCC 1994
on Christian Initiation
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1229 -- From the time of the apostles, becoming a Christian has
been accomplished by a journey and initiation in several stages. This journey
can be covered rapidly or slowly, but certain essential elements always
have to be present: proclamation of the Word of God, acceptance of the
Gospel entailing conversion, profession of faith, Baptism itself, the outpouring
of the Holy Spirit and admission to Eucharistic communion
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1230 -- This initiation has varied greatly through the centuries,
according to circumstances. In the first centuries of the Church, Christian
initiation saw considerable development. A long period of catechumenate
included a series of preparatory rites, which were liturgical landmarks
along the path of catechumenal preparation and culminated in the celebration
of the sacraments of Christian Initiation.
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1232 -- The Second Vatican Council restored for the Latin Church
"the catechumenate for adults, comprising several distinct steps. The rites
for these stages are to be found in the Rite of Chrsitian Initiation of
Adults. The Council also gives permission that: "In mission countries,
in addition to what is furnised by the Christian tradition, those elements
of initiation rites may be admitted which are already in use among some
peoples in so far as they can be adapted to the Christian ritual."
What is this CHRISTIAN FORMATION?
Becoming a Catholic is not only memorizing and learning
about the Faith. Today, the realization that becoming Catholic involves
not only learning, catechesis, but also being conformed to the life of Christ
and His Body, the Church Community alive in a parish.
At Our Lady of Mercy, we have implemented this vision.
Adults who wish to join the Catholic Church are invited to participate
in the RCIA process.
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It calls people to Faith.
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It responds to the Faith present in those seeking membership in the
Church.
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It shares the Faith of our Community with them.
This is done to foster not only unity with Christ in Baptism,
Confirmation and the Eucharist but also unity with the Body of Christ,
the Church, which lives out Jesus' mission in our world. If we individually
unite ourselves with Christ we will enjoy the promise of salvation but
like the rich young man in the Gospel, Jesus calls us to deeper involvement
and witness.
This is best done in community.
It is the Faith Community that empowers, enlivens and
supports its members in the quest of making the Lord present. Jesus
is not simply an individual. He is one of the persons of the Trinity -
a God who is person and community. Therefore, approaching Baptism and entrance
into the Church involves not only personal conversion but community participation.
The whole of the Christian Life is life and involves growth
and development.
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It is not something stagnant.
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It calls for continual immersion in the mystery of the Cross and Resurrection.
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It is only fulfilled at death when the Christian Community proclaims
its faith that all believers are united with Christ, the community of the
Saints and their God.
This is accomplished through a life of conversion and service:
Conversion to Christ lived out in service to the human family that He came
to save.
If you are interested in becoming Catholic,
if you have a family member or friend who might be interested,
please contact
Deacon Mike Ghiorso, R.C.I.A. Director, for information about the
process in our Parish.
Each year the process spans the time from September to
the Celebration of the Easter Vigil in the Springtime of our year.
If you are interested please contact us early since this
takes time:
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Time to grow in Faith,
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Time to know the Church,
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Time to know our Community at OLM.