The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults: Welcoming Souls Home to the Catholic Church

Every year, courageous souls enter the doors of Holy Mother the Church, surrendering their hearts to all She teaches. They have seen Her light illuminating the darkness and experienced the love of Christ in a profound, life-changing way. Each of them has traveled a unique and precious journey on their path “home to Rome” with the help of the RCIA process.

“A few years ago, a family of four went through the RCIA and received the Sacraments of Initiation,” says Brenda Dunn, RCIA Leader/Catechist, who serves along with Co-Leader/ Catechist Angela Quillin. “They have remained with us in our faith community. It has been amazing to see that despite so many people who are leaving the Church, so many are still knocking at our door.”

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) — or Christian Initiation, as it is referred to at our parish — is a process of initiating people into the Catholic Church and its traditions. Our parish invites the following groups of people to join the RCIA: adults and children over the age of 7 who have not been baptized; those from other Christian traditions; and those who are interested in learning more about the Catholic Church, along with their family members who need to complete their Christian Initiation through the Sacraments of Confirmation and/or Holy Eucharist.

“This process is a journey of faith where, in addition to learning about our Catholic teachings and tradition, participants have an opportunity to meet Jesus in an atmosphere of love, joy, and fellowship,” Brenda says.

The RCIA process at our parish includes the following periods or stages: Precatechumenate, Catechumenate, Purification and Enlightenment, and Mystagogy (Postbaptismal Catechesis). It also includes the prescribed Rites of Acceptance and Election. Our Sunday sessions begin with refreshments, music, and prayer, which are followed by a teaching on a number of topics, including creation, prayer, the Trinity, the sacraments, Scripture and tradition, Mary and the saints, Catholic social teaching, and three “Mornings of Prayer” in preparation for Advent, Lent, and the Easter Vigil. The sessions may also include time for small-group faith sharing, then close with prayer and a song.

“The focus of the RCIA is to help its participants foster a deeper relationship with Christ, as well as learn about the teachings of the Church,” Brenda says. “The process is much more than religious education — it is forming individuals in the Catholic faith and supporting them by the prayers and embrace of our faith community.”

The RCIA sessions are presented by diocesan-certified catechists, along with our parish deacons and priests. There are currently 21 members on the English RCIA team and six on the Spanish RICA.

Karen Patten and Carolyn Smith serve as Co-Leaders/ Catechists of the children’s group; Doug Vadurro serves the teen’s group; Deacon Abelino Cordero and his wife, Lupita, are the Leaders/Catechists of the Spanish-speaking RICA group; the RCIA Hospitality Ministry is led by Joy Danna and Candace Powell, who handle the kitchen set-ups and service, and provide refreshments. The Music Ministry, led by Cheryl Flood, and Mike and Joan Ferrigno, provides a Spirit-filled environment that helps set the tone for the opening prayer and teaching.

“Our own faith is built up as we witness the candidates’ newfound relationship with Jesus,” Brenda says. “We each feel blessed to share our faith with them and share their joy as we welcome them into our Catholic family. We hope each one we send forth will continue to nurture their relationship with God and with one another.”

The Christian Initiation sessions, both in English and Spanish, are ongoing from the end of September through Pentecost Sunday of each year. However, those who are interested in the process may also contact team members during the summer months.

Both English and Spanish sessions are held on Sundays in the Faith Formation Hall, with the English sessions from 10:15 a.m. to noon, and the Spanish from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Those who may be interested in joining this beautiful process may call the Parish Office at 936-634-6833.