Christian Initiation / Becoming Catholic
For additional information on Christian Initiation, contact
Teri Burns, Pastoral Associate for Faith Formation, 616.676.9111 ext 115
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (rcia)
If you feel that Jesus is calling you into a deeper relationship with him within the context of a community in which you can grow in and express your faith as a follower of Christ, the RCIA Team invites you to join us.
The stages of the RCIA are:
- Precatechumenate (or Inquiry) – A time for growing in relationship with Jesus Christ and asking questions about the Catholic Church’s teachings and practices.
- Catechumenate – An opportunity to reflect more deeply on the Sunday Scriptures, delve more deeply into the foundational Church teachings, and experience the life of the faith community.
- Celebration of The Sacraments of Initiation – During the Easter Vigil on April 4, 2015.
- Mystagogy – Continued reflection on the experience of the Sacraments and exploration of the mysteries of the Catholic faith.
Precatechuemnate / Inquiry
All who have questions about faith in Jesus Christ and the teachings of the Catholic Church are invited to contact Teri Burns or Fr. Tony Russo.
Catechumenate
After the Inquiry period, those who are looking toward full initiation into the Catholic Church participate in the period of the Catechumenate. Catechumens, as persons preparing for Baptism are called, are invited to attend Sunday 9:00 a.m. Mass. They are dismissed after the homily to reflect on and discuss the Sunday Scripture readings and to explore living as baptized Christians in the faith community of the Church.
Celebration of The Sacraments of Initiation
Full initiation into the Catholic Church is celebrated with the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Communion at the Easter Vigil.
Mystagogy
The newly baptized continue to explore what it means to be Catholic throughout the period of Mystagogy and lifelong participation in the life of the Church.
Christian Initiation of Children
Children who are age 8-18 who have not been baptized are prepared for full initiation into the Catholic Church by celebrating the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Communion. They participate in faith formation and also participate in sacrament preparation sessions and the rites of the RCIA. Contact Teri Burns, ext 115, for information.