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Some Details of the RCIA Process at Our Lady of Lourdes

Are you searching for more spirituality and are not sure what that is?

Were you baptized in another Christian denomination and Catholicism seems more attractive to you now?

Were you never baptized and without much experience with religion, but feel attracted to being in Church?

Do you consider yourself spiritual and feel drawn to practicing religious faith in a Christian Catholic community?

Are you married to a Catholic and you would like to become Catholic as well? It’s not too early to think about becoming part of the RCIA process. This process can help answer your questions and concerns. Please contact Fr. Dave Sunberg at 922-0715 for more information.

Who:
Those looking for information on Catholicism:
Persons who have never been baptized as Christians
Persons baptized in another faith tradition
Persons baptized as Catholics, but not raised as Catholics Adults
Children 8 years old and older may participate if they also fit into one of the above categories.

What:
An opportunity to explore the Catholic faith through prayer, study and community. Participation in sessions does not mean commitment to become Catholic.

When:
Adults: Ordinarily Wednesday evenings

Attendance at a weekend Mass

Children: Set according to the needs of the participants and the parish

Where:
Our Lady of Lourdes

For more information contact: our pastor, Fr. Dave Sunberg, 922-0715, or parish@lourdes.org

Organizations

Catechetical & Evangelization

RCIA

May 21, 2013

R.C.I.A. (Right of Christian Intitiation of Adults)

Are you searching for…
A deeper relationship with God?
A sense of belonging in a faith community?
A greater fulfillment of your mission in life?

What is RCIA?

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the process by which those who wish to join the Catholic faith community are welcomed and introduced to the beliefs and practices of the Church. For those not yet baptized, this process leads to the Easter Vigil where they receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. Those who have been previously baptized in another Christian tradition are invited to participate fully in the Church through the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.
The full RCIA process consists of four stages or periods of formation marked by the celebrations of three major rites or ceremonies with the parish community. The four stages are: Pre-Catechumenate (or Period of Inquiry), Catechumenate, Purification and Enlightment, and Mystagogia.

PRE-CATECHUMENATE
During this period, inquirers can receive answers to some of their most pressing questions about the Catholic faith and discern how this faith might connect with their personal story and their desire for a closer relationship with Jesus Christ and the Christian community. Inquirers are invited (but never pressured) to continue the journey through participation in the ritual called the Rite of Acceptance.

CATECHUMENATE
In this second stage of preparation, Catechumens (those preparing for Baptism) and Candidates (those already baptized who are preparing for entry into the Catholic Church), will spend time learning about the beliefs of Catholics and be introduced to the Catholic way of life. The Scriptures and Catholic teachings will guide their study, while participation in various forms of worship, prayer and parish activities will acquaint and help integrate them into the Catholic lifestyle. Their priests and catechists will guide them in this journey. A sponsor will be chosen to provide individual support, and the parish community will continue to welcome them and pray for them. This stage culminates in the celebration of the Rite of Election where they are officially accepted for the Easter Sacraments.

For more information about RCIA, please contact our Pastor Fr. Dave Sunberg, parish@lourdes.org or call 922-0715.