Ministries - Rite Of Christian Initiation Of Adults - The Process

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RCIA Co-ordinator - Michelle Davis

The RCIA Process/Journey

Orientation/ growth in community

RCIA is not a program it is a process/journey it's not a one size fits all operation.
Each persons questions/needs are discussed
It is a Conversion journey
A call to grow as an individual
A time to reflect and see one's life in light of gospel values this occurs in a context ( the Catholic parish) where growth occurs.
Personal faith/ecclesial (church) faith

The initiation process does not just take place at baptism it is within the whole process of RCIA journey. The rites are moments of initiation into the church.

The Sacraments are not static events isolated by life but celebrations of church living.
- strengthens us in daily living
- Gods call to conversion ( RCIA is a spiritual journey).

Structure of the RCIA process
- Spiritual journey of individual (conversion)
- A gradual process of growth within the faith community
- Discernment in the light of gospel values.

Growth in faith is a life long process. Being initiated is constantly taking place within the RCIA process.

The Role of Sponsors in RCIA:
Sponsors are called not only to provide support, but to stand witness to the candidates moral character, faith and intention.

Place of the Word. ­ Gospel ­ Story of Gods love and Story of Jesus
(the word of God)
God communicates to us through the word
Through our intellect, senses and human experiences.
The Church is a community of disciples/companions.

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JOURNEY THROUGH RCIA

Throughout the journey we share the scriptures
Our own faith stores
Prayers
Observation and Questions

Stage 1
Enquiry Stage
Time of questioning
This has probably occurred, sharing with friends/reading/thinking/ prayer/meditating.

Rite Welcome
Candidates are formally introduced to the Parish Community

Stage 2
Period of Catechumenate
Builds upon stage 1
Period of journey through the scriptures
Time of instruction (sharing Catholic faith)

Rite of Election
First Sunday of Lent
Decision to prepare for Sacraments of initiation

Stage 3
LENT
Period of prayer, reflection and penance
Preparation for Sacraments of Initiation

EASTER ­ The Rituals and reception of the Sacraments of Initiation.

Stage 4
MYSTAGOGY ­
A time study of mysteries and reflection of the process/journey.
The journey continues with a time of reflecting on the Easter experience. Sharing a journey of faith. The meaning of the Sacraments.

A Journey of Discernment:

Reflection on what is good for the person, what has been learnt in life (authentic self), a prayerful and thoughtful process.

RCIA is not a test of knowledge it is a journey of faith. Baptism is not the end of the journey it is the beginning.

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Why Public Liturgies/ Rites?

RCIA is a community process/journey.
The rites of Welcome and Election are to involve the Parish community. The Parish gets to know the candidate and the candidate gets to know the parish.

RCIA is also a way of Renewal/Inspiration for the Parish Community through conversion and conversation: Conversation ­ Sharing the story of journey
Conversation ­ embracing the gospel stories.

The candidates journey model to the parish that we are all Modern disciples commissioned by our Baptism to spread the good news.

Basically RCIA is :

Sharing Scripture

Formation in a community.

The Catechumenate ­ is a time of sharing tradition, customs/practices, prayer, scripture, worship and apostolic life.

Adults seek to journey through the RCIA process to receive the Sacraments of Initiation:

Baptism
Or they are Seeking full communion with church (Reconciliation, Communion and Confirmation)

The process is:

Looking at questions of faith in an adult way.
Seeking Christ in our daily living.
Listening (empathic and active) to our faith journeys and personal histories
This takes place within the faith community and it is a gradual process.

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