RCIA

Come and encounter Jesus Christ!

RCIA is a Journey

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults is a process that proceeds over weeks and months. Our practice of RCIA is grounded in the vision and theology of the rite, where the community gathers to uphold and support those on the journey to initiation.  To find out more about RCIA or if you are interested in being part of our RCIA team, please contact Deacon Dennis Russell, 812-425-1577 ext. 209.

RCIA is a process of study, exploration, faith-sharing, and faith formation with specific liturgical rites for seekers and inquirers. Seekers and inquirers are non-baptized adults who desire to be fully initiated into the Roman Catholic Church and/or baptized adult Christians who desire full communion in the Roman Catholic Church.

Adults or older children who have not been baptized and desire to join the Church are invited into the ancient celebration of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. During this process, which is marked by regular ritual acts, participants are introduced to the liturgy, the teachings, and the life of the Catholic Church.

Adults or older children who were baptized in another Christian denomination prepare in a similar way for the sacraments of Confirmation and the Eucharist during their reception into the Catholic Church.

This is the earliest phase in the process; it is also known as the Period of Inquiry. Catechumens and Candidates acknowledge that Christ is calling them into the Church through the movement of the Holy Spirit. This is a time for seeking and reflection. Through a series of meetings with adults who have expressed an interest in the Catholic Church, we welcome open and informal discussions about Catholic faith values.  During this time, Inquirers meet with members of the RCIA Team.  The RCIA team listens to their stories and connects them with faith stories found in Scripture and in the tradition of the church.

The first Rite in the RCIA process, the Rite of Initiation accepts new members into the worshipping community.

When Inquirers decide to begin a more formal study of the Catholic Church, we welcome them publicly at a liturgical rite. The longest part of the process, the Catechumenate is a time of learning and formation in the traditions and doctrine of the Catholic Church. This is a time for sharing stories, reading scripture, and studying the Church customs, traditions and doctrine. Participants also participate in worship services and various Church rituals. As Catechumens, they begin a formal study of the church, prayed through Word, Community, Worship, and Service. If the Inquirers have already been baptized, they are considered Candidates and follow the same course of study. Study gatherings are scheduled weekly, they begin in August and continue until Easter. This time of preparation leads to the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist, which are celebrated at the Easter Vigil.

At the beginning of Lent, Catechumens and Candidates are invited to be presented to the larger church and the Bishop.  Catechumens and Candidates—now the Elect—from throughout the diocese begin a time of intense prayer.  Special prayers & rituals, such as the Scrutinies, are prayed on the middle three Sundays of Lent, at liturgies during Lent.

At the Easter Vigil (Holy Saturday), all newly elected members of the community who have been journeying through the RCIA process are welcomed formally into the community of believers through receiving the Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.

After the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation, the new members, now called Neophytes, enter into a period of mystagogy.  During this time, they uncover the depths and mystery of God’s presence.  The heart of this period of mystagogy is the Sunday Eucharist and the reflection that follows. This is a time of reflection and celebration after the formal reception into the Catholic Church. Mystagogia means “leading into the mystery” and it is a time to explore the deep mystery of our faith and go forth to help build the reign of God on Earth as new members of the faithful.

RCIA Team

People journeying through the RCIA process need sponsors and community support to help them grow in faith. The RCIA team of sponsors help guide, support and instruct those discerning whether to become members of our Catholic community. Team members share their faith with inquiring adults who are seeking more information about the Catholic Church, many of whom seek to celebrate one or more of the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.

R.C.I.A. (or simply “RCIA”) stands for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, the process by which an adult person is initiated into the Catholic Church, through Baptism, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion.  Through this process the adult is formed in the Christian faith, with the local parish community serving as both catechists and models.

  • Un-baptized adults
  • Adults baptized in non-Trinitarian formula
  • Adults baptized as Catholic, but lack First Holy Communion and Confirmation
  • Adults baptized & confirmed infants in the Catholic Church, but lack First Holy Communion
  • Adults baptized in other Christian Churches, in the Trinitarian formula w/water

Mass & Confession Times

WEEKEND MASSES
Saturday
Mass 4:00 pm | Confession 3:15-3:45 pm
Sunday
Mass 10:00 am | Confession 9:15-9:45 am
Mass 4:00 pm | Confession 3:15-3:45 pm
WEEKDAY MASSES
Monday|Tuesday|Thursday|Friday
Mass - 12:05 p.m.
Adoration - 11:00 am 
Confession 11:30-11:55 am

Holy Day of Obligation
Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Mon, Dec., 9, 2024: Mass Times: 12:05 pm and 5:30 pm
Sunday Dec 8, 4 pm Mass will also satisfy the obligation if you have already attended another weekend Mass for the weekend obligation.

 

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