Adults

Becoming a Catholic (RCIA)

RCIA: The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the process by which adults become fully initiated into the Catholic Church. If you are interested in becoming Catholic or have not received the Sacraments of Eucharist or Confirmation please call Mrs. Andrea Woronick, Director of Faith Formation at 203-775-1035.

RCIA sessions meet each Sunday. Candidates and Catechists meet for the 9:00 Mass and are dismissed after the Liturgy of the Word for further prayer, reflection and study.

The letters “RCIA” stand for the “Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults”, and is the means by which adults are initiated into our Roman Catholic community. The RCIA describes a process in which men and women are guided and cared for as they awaken in faith and are gradually introduced to the Catholic way of life.

The RCIA process is a series of carefully planned stages, marked by liturgical rites in the presence of the whole community, in which new Catholics embark on and join us in a continuing and deepening conversion into faith and discipleship.

Centered on fostering a deep relationship with Jesus and the Church He founded, this journey takes place through distinct stages over a period of time suitable to bring thorough catechesis, significant experience of a parish community and commitment to the liturgical and moral life of the Catholic faithful.

The RCIA process is a restoration of the ancient catechumenate, which was the norm in the first three centuries of the early Church. The Second Vatican Council which took place in the early 1960's called for the restoration and use of this venerable and powerful method of initiation for the worldwide Church.

RCIA Outline

• Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate – A time for inquiry and introduction to Gospel values, opportunity for the beginnings of faith.
• Acceptance into the order of Catechumens – A liturgical rite marking the beginning of the catechumenate proper, as the candidates express and the Church accepts their intention to respond to God’s call to follow the way of Christ.
• Period of the Catechumenate – A time for nurturing and growth of the catechumen’s faith and conversion to God.
• Election or Enrollment of Names – Liturgical rite, usually celebrated on the First Sunday of Lent, by which the Church formally ratifies the catechumen’s readiness for the sacraments of initiation. From this time on the candidates and catechumens are known as The Elect.
• Period of Purification and Enlightenment – A time immediately preceding the elects’ initiation, usually the Lenten season, preceding the celebration of this initiation at the Easter Vigil. It is a time of reflection, intensely centered on conversion and prayer.
• Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation – The liturgical rite, usually integrated into the Easter Vigil, by which the elect are initiated through Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist.
• Period of Postbaptismal Catechesis or Mystagogy – A time, usually the Easter Season, during which the newly initiated experience being fully a part of the Christian community and participate with all the faithful in the Sunday Eucharistic celebrations.

Once a Catholic

For those who once were active in the faith, and would like to become more involved with our faith or our Parish, please call the Director of Faith Formation at 775-1035, ext 15.

Bible Study

We have various Bible study programs that meet during different seasons. Please call 775-1035, for more information.

Sample promotional descriptions of the studies that we offer:

Jeff Cavin's bible study program helps those who find a study of the Bible intimidating. "For many, the bible remains a mystery. Understanding its collection of people, places, events, and theological truths is a task many find daunting as they attempt to make sense of God's Word. THE GREAT ADVENTURE: A JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE is the answer. This exciting learning system helps people of all faiths – and levels of understanding – get the 'big picture' of the Bible narrative through a series of 24 talks, each of which focuses on a particular period in God’s plan of salvation."

We are currently offering The Great Adventure: A Journey Through the Bible and other studies. For more information about this Bible Study please contact a member of the Parish Staff.