Are you searching for God?

Are you interested in becoming a Catholic?

Do you want to complete what your baptism began, and prepare for Confirmation and Eucharist?

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults may be the answer...

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is an open-ended process to warmly welcome new members and provide spiritual formation according to each person’s needs.

The process includes small and large group meetings, discussion, individual and group prayer, and liturgies and rites celebrated within our faith community.  Participants reflect on Scripture, uncover their faith stories and learn to recognize themselves and God’s action in their lives, while exploring the teachings of the Church and its application to their own lives.

Participants include catechumen (those who have never been baptized) and candidates (those baptized in another Christian tradition or Catholics who have never received Eucharist and Confirmation).

The First Period: Inquiry

This is a time of introduction.  Informal and loosely structured, it is a period during which inquirers ask questions and share their faith journey and concerns.  It can last a few weeks or many months, depending on each person’s needs.  No commitment is required.

Rite of Acceptance or Welcome

When an inquirer is ready to formally commit to the process, they express their desire before the parish community.  The Church accepts their intention and welcomes them into the community.

The Second Period: The Catechumente

During this period of more intense instruction  the participants develop an understanding of Church teaching and the mystery of salvation.  They also participate in liturgy and are dismissed with a catechist after the homily each Sunday to break open the Word, reflecting on the scripture readings.

The Rite of Election or the Call to Continuing Conversion

This liturgical rite is celebrated with the larger community of the Oakland Diocese.  The Bishop  formally acknowledges the readiness of the catechumen and candidates to proceed to the sacraments.

The Third Period: Purification and Enlightenment

This takes place during Lent, a time of retreat for the Elect and the Candidates.  Together they  reflect on their personal spiritual journey and participate in the final rites preparing them for reception of the sacraments.

Celebrating Sacraments

The Sacraments of initiation - Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist  - are generally celebrated at the Easter Vigil.

The Fourth Period: Mystagogy

Our new members reflect on what it means to live as a fully initiated Catholic. They gather together for liturgy and explore the meaning of the Paschal mystery in their lives.  The formal period ends with Pentecost, but in truth it lasts the rest of our lives.

HOW DO I START?

Call Anne Marie at 522-0181, ext. 59.  Come to an “Inquiry” session offered most Wednesday nights (7:30 to 9:00) in  the Damien Room at 1119 Lafayette Street (Call first to confirm group is meeting.)

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