What is RCIA?
“The rite of Christian initiation presented here is designed for adults who, after hearing the mystery of Christ proclaimed, consciously and freely seek the living God and enter the way of faith and conversion as the Holy Spirit opens their hearts. By God’s help they will be strengthened spiritually during their preparation and at the proper time will receive the sacraments fruitfully.” (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults # 1, Introduction)
In other words, RCIA is for anyone interested in entering into Full Communion with the Catholic Church, which includes receiving all of the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist. These are called the Sacraments of Initiation because they fully initiate one into the Catholic -Christian Faith, making them a full member of the Body of Christ, and open to all of the graces the Holy Spirit wishes to give them. Put in another way,
“The sacraments of Christian initiation – Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist – lay the foundations of every Christian life. “The sharing in the divine nature given to men through the grace of Christ bears a certain likeness to the origin, development, and nourishing of natural life. The faithful are born anew by Baptism, strengthened by the sacrament of Confirmation, and receive in the Eucharist the food of eternal life. By means of these sacraments of Christian initiation, they thus receive in increasing measure the treasures of the divine life and advance toward the perfection of charity.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church # 1212)
Who is RCIA for?
The RCIA program is geared towards three groups of people…
- A non-Christian who is interested in becoming Catholic, but has never been baptized.
- A Protestant who is interested in becoming Catholic, and therefore, interested in receiving Confirmation and Holy Eucharist.
- A Catholic who was never confirmed and would like to receive Confirmation.
What are the goals of RCIA at St. Joan Of Arc?
- Participants come to encounter Christ and know him in a new way through the teaching and traditions of the Catholic Church.
- Participants learn more about the Catholic faith, coming away with deeper knowledge and clarity about what the Catholic Church teaches and why.
- Participants encounter and come to know other Catholics practicing their faith who will have the opportunity to share how Catholicism has impacted their lives in a profound way.
- Participants will be prepared to receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism [if not already baptized], Confirmation, Holy Eucharist) and therefore, will become full members of the Catholic Church
Time commitment
Once we have an idea of the number of people interested; we will work together to find a common day and time to meet. Previously, it has been a weekly commitment on Sunday afternoons from 12p -1p.
How does one sign up?
If you or someone you know has expressed interest or might be interested in RCIA, please contact Fr. Anderson at the parish office: 847-673-0409 or email him at [email protected]
May God bless you!