Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
St. Justin Martyr Catholic Church warmly welcomes new members and
strives to provide spiritual formation for all its parishioners. RCIA is
a journey of conversion for persons wanting to join the Catholic Church and for
the parish as it supports the process of initiation and walks the journey of
faith with the catechumens and candidates.
- THE PRE-CATECHUMENATE
- Adults who have never been baptized are invited into a process of formation in
the Catholic Christian faith and way of life. This is a gradual process
beginning informally with inquiry sessions. Interested persons will meet
with other people who are exploring the possibility of becoming Catholic.
This is an opportunity to ask questions about the Church. No commitments
are made or expected during this time.
- RITE OF ACCEPTANCE
- When the inquirers are ready to move on, they are paired with sponsors from the
parish and celebrate the first liturgical ritual, the Rite of Welcoming with
the parish community.
- CATECHUMENATE
- This second stage of the initiation process is the extended period of time when
the formal training in the Christian way of life takes place. The
catechumens (unbaptized) and the candidates for Confirmation are usually
dismissed from Mass after the homily and meet with Catechists for an hour to
discuss the Scriptures they heard proclaimed at Mass. This study and
reflection on the scriptures is an important part of Christian formation which
helps them understand the doctrinal teachings of the Church and prepare for the
day when they will receive Eucharist.
- RITE OF ELECTION
- The second major ritual of the RCIA program usually occurs on the First Sunday
of Lent. The local parish celebrates a Rite of Sending and prays for the
candidates as they travel to the Cathedral to meet with the Archbishop where he
admits them into the Elect -- those to be fully received into the Church at the
Easter Vigil.
- PERIOD OF ENLIGHTENMENT
- The final period of preparation coincides with Lent. It is a time of
spiritual reflection for all Catholics, and a special time of enlightenment for
the Elect.
- SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION
- At the Easter Vigil (after sunset on Holy
Saturday), the Elect and previously baptized Candidates celebrate the
Sacraments of Baptism (for the unbaptized), Eucharist, and Confirmation.
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- WHAT IS THE FIRST STEP?
- Anyone thinking about becoming a Catholic or who would like more
information should contact: Mrs. Liz Ryan, Director of Religious
Education at 843-6467 or Father Weber at 843-8482.