|
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults ( The R.C.I.A.) is
the usual way in which adults and become full members of the Catholic Church.
The goal of the process is full communion - which means conscious and active
participation in the Eucharist and in the life of the Catholic faith community.
How someone comes to consider joining the Catholic Church is unique to each
individual. Years of marriage to a Catholic spouse, conversations with a
Catholic friend, in-law, or coworker can move an adult toward the Catholic
Church.
The R.C.I.A. is adapted to meet the needs of women, men and school- aged
children who are:
- not baptized,
- baptized in the Roman Catholic Church but not evangelized, catechized or
completely initiated,
- baptized in another Christian church, but in need of further instruction and
initiation.
This process which has four distinct stages usually takes
at least a year - sometimes longer; there is no pressure of a time-line or for a
commitment. Participants move to the next stage through a special Church
ceremony called a rite. Participants meet weekly as a group with the R.C.I.A.
Team to pray, to listen to God s Word, to explore the Catholic faith. Those
whose faith journey leads them to become Catholic receive the Sacraments of
Initiation into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil Mass.
The R.C.I.A. helps participants:
- to grow in their relationship with God,
- to become familiar with Catholic teachings and practices,
- to get acquainted with the parishioners,
- to get involved in the parish
If YOU or SOMEONE YOU KNOW has an
interest in our Catholic faith... satisfy that interest! Take the first step and
inquire about the R.C.I.A.! Call Sister Colleen McGinnity,
941-624-3799. She will meet with you individually until you are ready to
participate in the group process.  |
