|
What is the RCIA?
In simplest terms, the RCIA is a systematic look at the
beliefs, practices and "laws" of the Roman
Catholic faith. In the RCIA sessions are held to
explain the Church's teachings and practices, such
as the celebration of the Sacraments.
The RCIA is often likened to a "journey of faith".
Participants of all backgrounds journey together to discover
more about the Catholic faith. Think of it as you would
a journey to the foreign country - you would see and
learn more on a guided tour than if you simply went and
wandered on your own.
Who can participate?
The RCIA is ideal for people who are not Catholic
and who wish to know more about the Catholic faith.
Catholic
adults also find participation in the RCIA helpful as
a "refresher" in their faith. Also, Catholics
who have not been practising their faith for a period
of time find the RCIA useful in facilitating their return
to the community of the Church.
Why would I participate in the RCIA?
As the title suggests, the process of the RCIA was created
by the early Church to prepare adults for reception
(initiation) as full members of the Catholic faith.
While that is still one of the purposes that the RCIA
fulfils, the intent to join the Church is not required
or even expected of participants. People are welcome
to come simply to know more, and perhaps feel more
comfortable attending Mass with friends, spouses or
children who are Catholic.
What do you do at the RCIA?
RCIA sessions are a mix of prayer, faith sharing, scripture
reading and discussion, "instruction", and
dialogue. Some sessions include "lessons" covering
some aspect of Catholic teaching, belief or practice
conducted by either a member of the Pastoral Team or
someone with appropriate expertise. Other sessions
include things like tours of the Church to learn about
what everything is and represents.
In the faith sharing aspect, people discuss the impact
of their faith, whatever that is, on the way they live
their lives. In particular, the Catholic companions reflect
on the way they try to live in response to the teaching
of the Church.
Scripture is one of the corner stones of the faith, and
so Scripture is part of every session. The Scriptural
passages usually follow the Gospel of the Sunday liturgy.
Discussion of the passages from Scripture is called "Breaking
open the Word" and is intended to help participants
find the personal meaning of the Scripture for their
lives.
Another important aspect of the process is community
building, through social and interpersonal time. It is
more comfortable on any extended tour if you have a community
of people with whom you can enjoy the journey.
Am I committed to anything if I participate?
Absolutely not. The RCIA should be a welcoming journey
for you to take away whatever you get from it.
What if I do want to become a Catholic?
Those who decide they want to become full members of
the Catholic Church use the RCIA as a preparation period.
Along the way several "Rites" are celebrated,
milestones to mark significant decision points in the
faith journey.
What if I have more questions?
We welcome your questions and are blessed by them. Feel
free to contact us via email or by phone: 828-693-6901
|
