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Please realize the importance of attending Mass with your children each weekend
Do You Want to Become A Catholic? Do You Seek Baptism?
Were You Baptized But Never Received Your First Communion and Confirmation?
We have a program for you....R.C.I.A.
Every year hundreds of people decide
to become Catholics, and each one has their own special story. Each is drawn to
the Church by different experiences and circumstances.
Any journey towards the Church is primarily a journey towards God.
St Augustine wrote, “our hearts are restless until they rest in you”. This
journey towards God is found through Jesus Christ. He is the “Word made Flesh”,
as St John says (Jn 1:14). He reveals God to us: “To see me is to see the
Father” (Jn 14:9).
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) has been
established as the means by which a person can explore the faith of the Catholic
Church. It offers a way to grow in the knowledge of Christ, and the Catholic
faith, in company with others on a similar journey. The RCIA takes place within
a parish community so you are able to share in the life of the Church expressed
in a local parish.
What is RCIA?
RCIA stands for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. It is a
formal process whereby those who are unbaptised, are assisted in joining the
Catholic Church by receiving what is called the Sacraments of Initiation.
The sacraments of initiation are made up of three sacraments: Baptism,
Confirmation and the Holy Eucharist. As adults, all three Sacraments are
received at the same time, and this usually occurs during Easter time. Once all
three Sacraments have been received, a person is then a fully participating
member of the Catholic Church.
What is involved?
RCIA is also called the “Catechumenate” and there are several
stages and ritual steps leading up to the reception of the Sacraments of
Baptism, Confirmation and the Holy Eucharist.
First Stage: The Pre-Catechumenate
Second Stage: The Catechumenate
The Third Stage: The Period of Purification & Enlightenment.
The Fourth Stage: Period of Mystagogy.
Becoming a Catholic is a big step; it is literally a life changing
experience, and one which shouldn’t be entered into lightly, nor should anyone
ever feel pushed or coerced into becoming a Catholic because their fiancée is
Catholic, or their in-laws expect it, or because it is easier to enrol children
into Catholic schools. Like any family, it is always exciting and a great
privilege to have new members arriving, thus there is no doubt that you are
welcome, but this needs to be something that you believe God is calling you to,
and should also be something that you desire for yourself as well.
The process seems long and perhaps even complicated, but it really is a great
joy. It will undoubtedly be a special time in your spiritual life.
* Taken from the writings of Bishop Julian Porteous
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
Each year, St. Michael’s assists adults who are journeying to enter the Church through Baptism or come into full communion in the Church through First Holy Communion and Confirmation. We are in search of those wishing to assist in our RCIA program.
Call Deacon Somma for more information at 732-483-0360, Ext. 12 or esomma@stmichaels-westend.com