Volunteer your time to help those who wish to become members of our catholic church.
The Rite of Christian Initiation of adults (R.C.I.A.) is an ancient rite reintroduced in to the Church since Vatican II. It is a process (NOT a program) for adults who wish to become Catholic Christians. It is a flexible process designed for those seeking baptism and for those baptized in other Christian denominations who are now seeking membership in the Roman Catholic Church.
Non Catholics wishing to become Catholic require sponsors who will journey with them. Hospitality help also needed. Wednesday Evenings.
Contact us for more information or to register.
How does it Work?
The process of becoming a Catholic progresses through four stages.
Stage I – Precatechumenate or Inquire Stage
Participants discuss Life in Christ, following the Gospel, and what this means in the Catholic Church. If they make a commitment to continue their journey in the Catholic faith, they celebrate the “Rite of Acceptance” which marks the beginning of the next stage.
Stage II – Catechumenate
This is a period of catechesis and formation involving prayer, worship, doctrinal and moral instruction, and Christian service. Participants begin the practice of “Breaking Open the Word of God” during the Sunday Liturgy. This stage may last a year or more. If the participants are accepted for the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) at the Easter Vigil, they attend the “Rite of Election” and proceed to the next stage.
Stage III – Purification & Enlightenment
This stage takes place in Lent. It begins with the “Rite of Election” which is celebrated at St. Mary’s Cathedral in the presence of the Bishop and every one of the R.C.I.A. members in the Diocese. It continues with a period of intense preparation, concluding with a retreat on Holy Saturday, and celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil that evening.
Stage IV – Mystagogia (Probing the Mysteries of Faith)
This final stage takes place during the Easter season (the period between Easter and Pentecost), after the participants have become Catholics. It is a time of deepening of faith and its practice, of looking at the ministry of the universal Catholic Church, and of looking at the ministry of the Parish in particular. This final stage is a reminder that the initiation process in not the end of becoming a Catholic, but the beginning!
Who Can Volunteer to Help?
You can! There are many opportunities to help participants journey through the R.C.I.A.
- Consider becoming a team member/catechist
- Be a sponsor for one of the participants. This is a special ministry. It means being a friend to someone who wants to share your faith. Each member has to have a sponsor. We are always in need of more people. Please let us know if you are willing to journey with someone.
- Be a Prayer Companion. Prayer Companions pray specially for someone seeking membership in our faith community
- Pray in general for this important ministry of our Parish.
- Spread the word. Talk about R.C.I.A. to family, friends, neighbours, people who are interested.
