RCIA

 

 

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

 

The RCIA is the process by which men and women become members of the Catholic Church.  When inspired by the Holy Spirit, a person ought to begin asking questions from their local church.  The ideal is that a church would have a team of members ready to walk in Faith with such a person.  However, the reality is that many church communities will wait for a small group of "inquirers" to form and have their RCIA team leaders begin this process approximately thirty weeks before Easter. 

 

The RCIA takes places within the context of the parish community, and after a suitable period of formation, culminates in the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation.

 

Formation includes several areas:

Ô   Scripture: the stories of God’s people

Ô   Teaching: how we communicate with God

Ô   Liturgy: how the community worships

Ô   Mission: how we live out what we believe

 

 

Some Terms of the RCIA

 

Catechumenate

The process of formation leading to entrance into the Catholic Church.

 

Sacraments of Initiation

Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist

 

Catechumen

An unbaptized person who seeks entrance into the Church.

 

Candidate

A person baptized in another Christian faith tradition who seeks membership in the Catholic Church.

 

 

 

Who Belongs in the RCIA?

 

The process of Christian Initiation is for adults who

  • want to learn more about the Catholic Church.

  • are unbaptized and want to become Catholic Christians through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.

  • attend Catholic Church because of a loved one or spouse and are not sure if the Catholic Church is for them, but are willing to ask questions.

 

 

 

How Does it Work?

 

God calls and we respond. With the process of Christian Initiation, men and women at all stages of the faith journey come together in a non-threatening and non-pressured atmosphere to learn more about the Catholic Church.

 

The RCIA provides a forum for shared spiritual growth, and a means to explore the Catholic Christian tradition through the scripture, sacraments, church teaching, and social outreach, all in the midst of the Catholic faith community.

 

 

 

How Do I Learn More?

 

If you have questions about the RCIA process, you can contact:

 

Deacon Bob Caldwell, RCIA Director for Children (Hearing and Deaf) at (210) 260-2584 (voice only).

Martin Lopez, RCIA Director for Adults (Deaf only) at (210) 922-3528 (voice only).

 

Note to the deaf adults, please contact Deacon Caldwell or Mr. Lopez using Relay Texas at 711.

OR

Come to a meeting designed to answer some of your questions.  An inquiry session is held every Saturday afternoon at 12:30 p.m. in the rectory beginning September, 2006, or call the parish office at (210) 227-0548

OR

Please complete and email the form to pat-deafministry@satx.rr.com.

 

I am interested in learning more about the Catholic Church.

I know someone interested in the Catholic Church.

I am interested in helping with the RCIA:

as a sponsor.

as other.

 

Name: 

Address:

City:   State:    Zip Code: 

Phone (Home):

Phone (Work): 

 


Deacon Robert Caldwell
Director of RCIA for Children

Martin Lopez
Direcctor of RCIA for Deaf Adults

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