...RCIA
Ever wonder...
what Catholics believe?
why Catholics do some of the things they do in church?
wonder how a person becomes Catholic?
There is a process that can help you answer those questions and many more. It is called the (RCIA) Rites of Christian Initiation of Adults.
The 1st Step in the process is called Inquiry. At St. Anthony parish this begins in September. Persons interested come to the sessions just to ask questions or listen to others ask their questions. All are welcome.
The 2nd Step or Rite is called the Catechumenate. At St. Anthony parish this part usually begins at Advent. Persons decide if they are ready to take this step. At this point in the process, Scripture and
the Sunday Gospel readings become the guiding force behind the lesson. The sessions are presently held on Monday evenings from 7:00 - 8:30 PM. At this time, they begin attending the first part of Mass and then are dismissed to another room to continue the discussion and pray with the Sunday Scripture readings.
The 3rd Step is called the Rite of Election. At St. Anthony parish, if a person decides that they indeed do want to embrace the Catholic faith, they will be sent to meet the Bishop on the First Sunday of
Lent. Lent is a time for soul searching and preparing oneself by prayer for Baptism or the renewal of Baptismal promises.
The 4th Step takes place at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday evening. It is held after dark to focus on the Easter candle, which represents Jesus, the light of the world. Those persons who have never before been baptized will receive Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. If a person has been previously baptized in a Protestant denomination, they will make a Profession of the Catholic Faith, be
Confirmed and receive Holy Eucharist.
The 5th Step has a Greek name call Mystagogy. During this time, from Easter to Pentecost, the newly baptized and confirmed persons, besides continuing to attend the Monday evening sessions also begin
participating in the entire Sunday mass.
Although the period of Mystagogy can continue for another full year, at St. Anthony's the sessions end around Pentecost Sunday.
