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RCIA: Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults

Are you interested in learning more about the Catholic faith?
OR
Are you looking to complete your initiation into the Catholic Church?

Contact Person: Michelle Miller
703-527-5500 x 115 or rcia@stcharleschurch.org
Related links: Journeying with Those Joining Our Church in 2005 and Photo of Newly Initiated at Easter 2005 Vigil

There Are 3 Ongoing Gatherings Throughout the Year For those looking into the Catholic Church: Catholic Inquiry Sessions   These gatherings are for those in the initial stages of learning about the Catholic faith and/or those who are thinking about joining the Church. The format is informal and is based on questions that arise each month. Friends and spouses are always welcome. For those asking to join the Church or complete their initiation: Catechumenate   The Catechumenate (cata-cume-men-et) consists of weekly gatherings for those who have made the decision to join the Catholic faith, or for those who have been baptized Catholic and wish to complete their initiation through the Sacraments of Eucharist and/or Confirmation. During the Catechumenate, we attend Sunday Mass as a group then meet on Tuesday evenings, or for other parish activities. Unbaptized candidates may spend 1-2 years in the Catechumenate group. The length of time in the Catechumenate group for baptized candidates depends on the amount of adult faith formation they have had on their journey thus far. Each candidate is expected to journey towards full initiation in the Catholic Church in their own time frame and will celebrate the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and/or Confirmation when they feel ready and when others have validated this decision. For those celebrating their first year as a fully initiated Catholic: Mystagogia   The mystagogia (mista-go-gia) gatherings are for those who have recently joined the Catholic faith or have completed their initiation. These gatherings offer newly initiated Catholics an opportunity to share and celebrate their new life in the Church. Class of 2005.

2007 Catholic Inquiry Sessions

For those interested in learning more about the Catholic faith, join us for a casual and ongoing discussion about th Catholic faith. No registration required—just show up!

All sessions held from 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM on Tuesdays in the parish library (off of the main parish office).

• November 27
• None in December. Instead, all are invited to our weekly Advent Evening Prayer on Dec 4, 11, and 18 from 7:30-8:30 PM in the Chapel

Throughout the year, individuals come forward seeking to learn more about the Catholic faith. You may have a friend who is Catholic... you may be dating, engaged, or married to a Catholic...or you may just be seeking information on your own. You may have even been baptized a Catholic but never completed your initiation.

If you are such a seeker, we welcome you! The St. Charles community invites you to check out the RCIA process here at the parish with the hope that you will find an opportunity to grow closer to God at this time in your faith community.

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, or RCIA, is a process of prayer, reflection, and learning that allows for the continual discernment of God's will in our lives. No matter where you are on your faith journey, there is a place for you at St. Charles.

Frequently Asked Questions About RCIA

At this time I have no intention of joining the Church but I do want to learn more about Catholicism. Is there a place for me in the RCIA process?

Yes! We all learn from one another and from our journey to know God better. Please join us for the next Catholic Inquiry Session and we can discuss what path may be best for your continued journey.

 

I know that I want to join the Catholic Church. Where do I begin?

This depends on you and where you are on your faith journey. If you are fairly new to Catholicism or have limited experience with the Christian faith, you may still find it helpful to continue to explore Catholicism for a time before moving into the Catechumenate gathering. Each person's journey is unique and the RCIA Team will assist you in utilizing the RCIA process at St. Charles so that your journey is fruitful and fulfilling.

 

Once I have decided to join the Catholic Church, why might it take 1-2 years? That seems like a long time.

When someone comes forward with an interest in joining the Catholic Church, that interest is then to be joined with knowledge about the Church's traditions and teachings, as well as a sufficient experience of the Catholic faith community. Joining the Catholic Church is not about passing a test on Catholicism; rather it is about learning and living the Gospel of Jesus in the context of the parish and wider Catholic community. This takes time and it is suggested that one wishing to join the Church experience at least one full liturgical year of the Catholic faith community.

Adult baptisms are celebrated each year at the Easter Vigil (the Saturday night before Easter Sunday), which occurs each year in the Spring. If one comes to the parish in December with a desire to be baptized and to join the Church, the following Easter would only be approximately 4 months away. This is not sufficient time for someone to experience the fullness of the Catholic faith Church and community. This "December seeker" would be welcomed into the RCIA process, would journey with a fellow group of seekers each week, and would most likely be baptized and initiated into the Catholic Church approximately 16 months later. If one comes to the parish in the spring having made a decision to join the church, depending on the level of preparation needed, that person may be deemed ready to be initiated into the church at the following Easter, which would be approximately 12 months later.

The goal in joining the Catholic Church is not to be baptized, although the Sacrament of Baptism is a priceless gift from our God. The goal is to grow in your love and awareness of God, to begin or build on your relationship with Jesus Christ, and to learn how the Catholic faith community lives out this call. Baptism is part of the journey but not a finish line to sprint towards. Joining the Church is a process of shaping our hearts, minds, and spirits so they look more like God's. The rich exploration of faith is not a race, but a journey to be savored, reflected upon, and celebrated.

 

I am not baptized and am getting married to a Catholic. I wanted to join the Church before our wedding. Is that possible?

Remember, the goal is not baptism or even joining the Church. The goal is learning and living within the context of the faith community, which allows us to fully live out the Gospel of Jesus Christ as celebrated in the Catholic Church. If your wedding is not yet scheduled, you are invited to talk over this timetable with a member of the RCIA Team or a priest. If your wedding is already scheduled within the next 12 months, you will most likely be invited to put the time and energy needed into preparing for and beginning your marriage. This is also a very important and wonderful part of your faith journey! Having said this, you may simultaneously be attending the Catechumente sessions and preparing to join the Church, but racing to join the Church before your wedding does not respect you nor the unique faith journey that God is creating just for you.

 

I was baptized, but not as a Catholic. I wish to join the Catholic Church. Am I still looking at 12+ months of preparation?

That depends on a variety of things. If you come to the Catholic faith community with a full experience of living the Christian life within the context of your previous faith community, you may be invited to study and understand the differences between Protestantism and Catholicism as well as obtain a clear understanding of the Catholic Sacraments. This may be sufficient preparation which builds upon your previous adult faith formation. On the other hand, if you come to join the Catholic Church with limited faith experience or knowledge, you will be better served with a fuller and more extensive experience within the RCIA process. The journey IS the way to faith! Your individual journey is the highest priority and just like any other relationship, our relationship with our God takes energy, intention, and time. Unlike adult baptisms, welcoming baptized adults into the Catholic Church can occur outside of the Easter season.

 

I was baptized as a Catholic but never received my first Eucharist nor been confirmed. Where do I fit in?

You would be invited into the weekly Catechumenate sessions and to prepare to complete your initiation into the Catholic faith community. You would be encouraged to journey in the Catechumenate for a full liturgical year. Unlike adult baptisms, welcoming baptized Catholics into full initiation can occur outside of the Easter season.

 

I was baptized as a Catholic and received my first Eucharist. I was never confirmed. Do I jump into the RCIA process too?

Yes, those who are solely preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation will also find the Catechumenate sessions to be an excellent way to prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Adult Confirmations can also occur throughout the year. The RCIA Coordinator can give you additional information.

 

I am divorced. Is this an issue as far as the RCIA process is concerned?

Each situation is unique but these are important issue to understand and sort out. You are encouraged to talk with an RCIA Team member or a priest about your unique situation when you first inquire into the RCIA process.

 

I understand that I need a sponsor?

Jesus taught his disciples the importance of community. It is meaningful that we walk this faith journey with companions. If you decide to join the Church or if you are a Catholic who wishes to complete your initiation, you will need a sponsor from the Catholic faith community. Basically a sponsor is a fully initiated Catholic who will serve as a companion, listener, and mentor. The sponsor will also help you to learn more about the parish and ways to live out the Catholic faith. If you already have someone in mind that is not from St. Charles, a co-sponsor may be assigned from the parish. Those in the Inquiry gathering may also request a sponsor to assist in their journey at St. Charles even though they have not decided to join the Catholic Church. Baptismal candidates will have an opportunity to choose a Godparent(s) as baptism approaches.

 

Is there any cost associated with RCIA?

None whatsoever.

 

So where do I start?

Once you have read through all of the RCIA information provided here, you are asked to attend an upcoming Catholic Inquiry Session. You may also contact the RCIA coordinator, Michelle Miller at 703-527-5500 x115 or email her at rcia@stcharleschurch.org. May God bless you on your continued journey of faith. Know that you are a welcomed seeker at St. Charles.

 

 

Revised/reviewed November 15, 2007