The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults RCIA) is the process (catechumenate) by which a person becomes a Catholic Christian. This Rite was restored through Vatican Council II and was officially sanctioned by the Bishops of the U.S. in 1988. Anyone interested in this process or simply curious about our faith tradition is invited to participate in our regularly scheduled sessions: 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month from 7-9 p.m at Epiphany House. Call Sister Mary if interested at 245-9733 ext. 20.

Persons who have never been baptized or those baptized previously in another Christian tradition enter the process at Epiphany at any time they perceive God's call. The various stages and rites of the process extend over a lengthy period. The exact amount of time is contingent upon where a person is on his/her faith journey. Since a primary purpose of the process is to guide persons into a community of faith, much depends on the degree to which each inquirer is already involved in the community.

A number of ministries are involved in facilitating the jouneys of the catechumens and candidates. These are described here. Anyone interested in participating in these ministries is encouraged to contact Sr. Mary.

• Team: Those who coordinate and plan the entire catecumenate process including the weekly sessions which are lectionary based. Group meets quarterly.
• Catechists: Those who have a fairly good Vatican II theological background and who have some understanding of how adults learn as well as the catechumenal process. They are called upon periodically to give a presentation to the catechumenate or to process one of the sessions.
• Facilitators: Person present at weekly session to facilitate the breaking open of the word and faith sharing as well as introducing the presenter for the evening.
• Rite of Dismissal Facilitators: One who leads the discussion of the Sunday readings with the catechumens and candidates when they are commissioned by the Presider to leave the assembly after the intercessions. Basic qualifications are the ability to reflect prayerfully on the readings and to invite that reflection and sharing from others.
• Sponsors: Active Catholics who accompany the catechumen/candidate to the weekly sessions and to all the liturgical rituals. They meet regularly with the catechumen/candidate during the week to pray and share faith. Sponsors introduce the catechumen/ candidate to others in the community.
• Spiritual Companions: Those Catholic community members who are present for all RCIA activities with the catechumens and candidates. They are not experts in the faith, but have an ability to listen compassionately, to share the experiences of their own faith life, and to be open to how the Holy Spirit leads the catechumens or candidates on their catechumenal journey. Weekly time commitment.
• Liturgy Planner: Planners assist in planning various RCIA liturgies during the year
• Hospitality: Folks can volunteer for a one time meeting (Wednesdays - 7-9 p.m.) or help on a regular basis.