RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION FOR ADULTS
RCIA
.The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a process by which interested persons gradually become members of the Catholic Faith. Adults wishing to become part of our Catholic Faith should contact Sister Jude (410-833-1696; srjude@shgparish.org). The sessions we offer at Sacred Heart for interested persons are held on Monday evenings from 7:00pm to 9:00pm beginning September 11, 2006 and concluding at Easter time (we will consider late registrations; so don't hesitate to call). Participants become part of this year-long program of inquiry and understanding which culminates with Baptism (if not already Baptized), a Profession of Faith, Holy Eucharist and Confirmation at the Easter Vigil.
The R.C.I.A. is primarily a journey of faith from the awareness of one's stirring of faith curiosity within one's own heart to a life commitment of faith, love, and justice lived in communion with Catholics throughout the world. As one travels this path of faith-inquiry they become acquainted with the Catholic Church and all its precepts, practices and beliefs. It becomes a time to look within at your own life story and see connections to or needs for the gospel story of Good News and the Catholic Faith. And you do not inquire alone; a Sponsor journeys with you throughout the process and beyond. A Sponsor commits to and accompanies the catechumen and is always available should questions or concerns arise. The Sponsor is a practicing Catholic and an active, concerned and committed member of their parish; they have given their time and talent to the R.C.I.A. Program and to those inquiring into the faith.
After a Period of Inquiry one is lead to the next step: the Catechumenate. This more advanced inquiry embodies the first stages of commitment leading to full membership. For a person to enter this phase, he or she must already have come to faith in Jesus Christ and sincerely desire to become members of the Catholic Church. At this point the catechumens begin to gather with the Catholic community at worship (the Mass), during which, together, we hear the Scriptures, respond to them, and reflect on the meaning of God's Word for us personally and as community through the homily. The catechumen's initial conversion is deepened and supported; he or she comes to know more and more deeply the love of God in their own lives and in the midst of the parish community. Then they progress to Lent and Easter (the Period of Enlightenment) and continue in thanksgiving, reflection and prayer in the Period of Mystagogia.
The R.C.I.A. is, in essence, not a program. It is the church's way of ministering sensitively to those who seek understanding and membership. The reason it takes a minimum of a full year is because it seems reasonable that candidates experience the yearly calendar of Catholic practice at least one time around in order to make an informed decision. The Church respects the process of one's inquiry and spiritual renewal and realizes that it should not be hasty, especially for those not accustomed to the fasts and feasts and Sundays and seasons the way Catholics observe them. That is why the R.C.I.A. culminates at the Easter Vigil. The celebration of the Easter Vigil dramatically points to the wellspring of the church's life: the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Again, if you think the Lord is leading you to find out more about the Catholic Faith and membership in this Faith Community, please call Sister Jude.
