R.C.I.A.
Contact Mary Wyble for more information at 337-369-3816
The R.C.I.A. is a process in the Church to explore the
teachings of the Catholic Faith. It is an opportunity to explore what Catholics
believe, opportunities for questions and faith sharing and to prepare for the
reception of the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation).
Who can participate?
Many people can: Unbaptized, non-Catholics who wish to become
Catholic, adult Catholics who have not received the sacraments of Penance,
Eucharist or Confirmation and those Catholics who wish to update themselves on
the teachings of the Church. There is no age limit - all are welcome.
What are the benefits? The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults can help
to:
- Build community by establishing a bond between
newcomers and the faith community.
- Increase understanding to the teachings of the
Gospels and the Church.
- Deepen responsibility of Church members to spread
their faith as Jesus commanded.
- Renew the commitment of church members to live out
their baptismal mission.
- Inspire reflection of the mystery of Christ's
sacrifice for the salvation of the faithful.
What is the R.C.I.A. process all about? How long does it take? It is divided into four periods:
- INQUIRY PERIOD: A
period of six to eight weeks when the individuals come and see if this
is what they really want to do. It is a time to explore the Church, ask
questions and share faith and scripture.
- CATECHUMENATE PERIOD:
A period of formal preparation for full initiation
into the Church. During this time, newcomers GROW in faith by developing
an understanding of the Church teachings and by praying alone and with
faith community; PARTICIPATE in liturgical rites, especially the Liturgy
of the Word, by listening and discussing what they have heard; LEARN
about Christian service and about sharing the Christian faith. This
period usually begins the first Sunday of Advent and ends the first
Sunday of Lent.
- PURIFICATION & ENLIGHTENMENT:
A period that lasts through the season of Lent. It
is a time when individuals make a commitment, through the various prayer
experiences, as they explore the doctrines of the Church. It climaxes at
the Easter Vigil Celebration, where those who have journeyed through
these past months of faith sharing receive the sacraments of the
Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation) and are welcomed into the
Catholic church.
- MYSTAGOGIA PERIOD:
This is the final period of initiation. Newly Baptized are welcomed into
the Church and share their Easter joy as they begin to live the Catholic
Faith.
Who has your heart?
Christians are made, not born. Committing one's self to gospel
values on every level of life requires a change of heart and attitude that
cannot be accomplished by an educational program alone. Conversion takes time -
for some, many years. While doctrinal instruction is part of the process, the
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and Children (RCIA) aims at changing the
heart and transforming the spirit, not just supplying a bank of knowledge.
Unbaptized persons, baptized but uncatechized adults and
youth, Catholics who never completed the sacraments or anyone just curious
about Catholic Christianity is invited to inquire into the Catholic faith as
part of an ongoing process with no time limits.
When God calls, what's your final answer?
- I'm too busy.
- Not now God! Call back
later.
- Here I am, God, I come to do
Your Will.
- I never got the message that
you called.
Do you need a lifeline to the Catholic church?
Meet St. Peter's R.C.I.A. team:
Mary Wyble (Coordinator), Gerry Delahoussaye,
Fr. Charles Langlois, and
Julie Kilgore.
Our Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults program is specifically designed
for:
- Unbaptized adults,
non-Catholic adults who wish to become Catholic.
- Adult Catholics who have not received the sacraments
of Penance, Eucharist or Confirmation.
- Catholics who wish to update themselves on the
teachings of the Church.
Come and see if God is calling you to this awesome
adventure!!
