Becoming a Catholic (RCIA)

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Wednesday, February 22, 2012

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is designed for non-Catholics who wish to learn more about the Catholic Church.

The RCIA process explores the meaning of faith and how Catholics express that faith in the community and in the world. It offers a chance to ask questions, raise doubts, acquire information, share, learn and grow. The process helps seekers to discern whether or not God is calling them to become Catholic. Those who complete the process celebrate the sacraments of baptism (if needed), first eucharist and confirmation at the Easter Vigil.

RCIA sessions take place on Wednesday evenings at 7:30 pm in Room 118 of the Finnegan Parish Center. Although the format will vary, most meetings will have three parts: input on the topic for the evening by a priest or lay person, an opportunity for the members of the group to share ideas and experiences relating to the topic, and time for refreshments and getting to know one another.

ON THE 2011-12 CALENDAR:

Wed., Sept. 14 - Introduction to the RCIA / You and Faith (7:30 PM, Room 118 of the Rev. John P. Finnegan Parish Center)

Wed., Sept. 21 - Images of God

Wed., Sept. 28 - Theology & Mystery

What’s the commitment? First of all, you’re not making a commitment to join the Catholic Church. You won’t be pressured into making any decisions; you can stop attending the meetings at any time. While many past participants have chosen to join the Church, others have not. That’s OK. The Spirit of God works in us differently, and the process requires that all involved respect those individual differences. You will continue to be welcome at the meetings and in the parish no matter what your decision.

For information concerning the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, contact RCIA Director Mark Zwolski.

Seven Possible Reasons for Joining RCIA

Seven Possible Reasons to Join the RCIA:

You’re marrying a Catholic. Sharing and practicing your faith together is a great foundation for married life.
You’re already married to a Catholic and your kids are being raised Catholic. It’s natural to want to feel a closer bond by sharing in the sacramental experiences of those you love.
Your children are learning about the Catholic faith. You just want to learn more about this Catholic tradition of faith, still not sure you ever want to become Catholic.
You’ve lived in a “Catholic world” all your life so much so that many people assume you already are Catholic. You’d like to find out if you are closer than you think in mind and heart.
You don’t know much about Catholicism but you have a friend or neighbor who has inspired you to want to learn more about it. With no strings attached, this is a wonderful way to check things out.
You have suffered through personal loss or personal struggles. You are seeking ways to deepen your spiritual life by checking out the Catholic life of faith.
You don’t know why, but you feel something urging you to the Catholic Church. It’s probably the Holy Spirit, so it is a good idea to listen up!

If any of these reasons stirs your heart, do not hesitate to call us.

The Art of Welcoming

Each of us who are part of the Catholic community of faith find meaning, fulfillment and hope in and through our relationship to the Lord and our relationship as sisters and brothers in the Church. Each of us, by our very call to discipleship by Christ, is called to share the good news we have found in Jesus and his Church with others. We need to be about the gentle art of inviting, welcoming and witnessing.

In relationships you have had over the years, maybe you have heard a family member, a friend or a neighbor express interest or ask questions about our Catholic faith tradition. A gentle invitation from you to consider participating in the RCIA process may be the moment of grace that will make a difference for someone who has felt drawn in the past and whose faith journey still causes them to search.

You might want to share this information about the RCIA with anyone to whom you wish to offer an invitation. Perhaps to give them support and encouragement, you might offer to accompany them to the RCIA Information Evening & First Session.

Coming Up In The RCIA

St. Mary of Vernon Catholic Church, 236 US Hwy 45, Indian Creek, Illinois 60061, (847)362-1005