RCIA stands for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. It is the process an adult man or woman, unbaptized or Christian journeys to become a Roman Catholic. For anyone who wishes to become a Catholic Christian, there are definite steps that lead to becoming a member of the believing community that celebrates the Real Presence at the Lord's table.
Step 1. Inquiry
During the inquiry period, the parishioners of the Catholic family share their own faith stories as they listen to the journeys, questions and hopes of those who have come to inquire about the Church. Through this exchange, the Church shares its life story - its traditions, people and history. This sharing and exchange of personal experiences leads the inquirer to discover similarities between his or her own story and the story of Jesus and the Church. This first step of the RCIA is a time of discovery. The season of Lent is like a spiritual retreat calling all of us to a renewal of heart and recommitment to our baptismal promises. Once again we pledge ourselves to a gospel way of living, to discipleship of Jesus Christ and to witnessing his message to all whom we meet.
Step 2. Catechumenate
The word "catechumen" comes from biblical Greek and literally means "one who sounds out something". The second step of the RCIA process is known as the Catechumenate. The purpose of this catechumenate period is to give the inquirer, who makes a decision to journey closer to Christian Initiation, a thoroughly supportive and encouraging environment. An inquirer becomes a catechumen (unbaptized person) or candidate (already Christian person) through a formal Rite of Welcoming. During this ceremony, celebrated during a Mass with the parish community, the participants are given a special blessing, a bible and catechism, which they will use in the coming weeks to experience the living word of God along with their fellow seekersand parishioners.
Step. 3 Purification & Enlightenment
The third step of the RCIA is a time for inward reflection, spiritual purification and enlightenment. It spans the season of Lent, six weeks of preparation culminating at the Easter Vigil, when those to be initiated are baptized, confirmed and share in the Eucharist for the first time and those to be fully initiated make their solemn profession of faith, are confirmed and share in the Eucharist. Lent is an especially appropriate time for this final step of reflection and examination of one's motivation as one focuses on Jesus’ journey to Gethsemane.
Step 4 . Celebrating The Mystery. . .
The seven weeks of Easter time from Easter Sunday to Pentecost form the fourth and final step in the RCIA process. This step is titled Mystagogy. The name comes the Greek and refers to the profound and joyous "mystery" of living life fully aware that Jesus is Lord. The newly initiated are called neophytes (from the Greek for "new believers"). On each of the Sundays of Easter time, the Church presents scriptures which tell the wondrous Stories of how the disciples were convinced of their call and power to proclaim the victory of Jesus. From the experience of
Pentecost onward, they traveled forth, announcing the good news of Christ's presence in every step of life's journey. It is this sense of "mission " that culminates the RCIA process. Having become a follower of Jesus, the newly baptized Christian is called to spread the good news of Christ's life and message in their new parish community and the larger community in which they live.
SPONSORS
The RCIA process flows from the love of the parish family as it ministers to those who are choosing membership in the Church. The parish brings many resources together to create an ongoing process that will assist the participants every step of the way.
As the Catechumenate step begins, the parish offers specific encouragement and witness to the inquirers through the assistance of individual Catholics called sponsors. A sponsor becomes a companion to an individual inquirer. The sponsor personally encourages the inquirer in every way possible. He or she prays for and with the inquirer, invites and accompanies the individual to parish celebrations and shares personal stories of what it means to be a Catholic.
As you contemplate this it might seem like an overwhelming responsibility to care for another person. It is important to know that you do not perform this ministry alone. God, in Jesus Christ, and through the Holy Spirit goes before you, preparing the way giving you the time and ability. Trust in God’s love for you and your inquirer.
For more information, please contact:
Anna Milam, RCIA Coordinator
Phone: 770-929-8665
E-mail: milam2@bellsouth.net
