The rite grew out of the need to help people
to prepare for church membership. During the 1st. - 5th. centuries, people
shared the Good News and brought others into faith communities. In the
6th. - 15th. centuries there was a decline in converts, and the growing
practice of infant baptism. From the 16th. - 20th. centuries, missionaries
around the world were able to restore these preparations. Today the missionary
spirit is alive again, and the new RCIA gives Catholics valuable guidelines
for welcoming newcomers into the Church.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE RCIA
The main purpose is to assist interested persons on their
journey of conversion as disciples of Jesus Christ and to become active
members of the community. It is also intended to revive the missionary
spirit of all members of the faith family.
Evangelization:
The entire Catholic Family
is called, by baptism, to hear, reach out and invite others to hear and
live the Good News of Jesus Christ.
The full initiation is adapted to meet the needs of people
who are:
* not baptized;
* baptized in another Christian faith, but need instruction
and initiation into the Catholic faith;
* baptized Catholic but not catechized or confirmed;
THE RCIA IS A FOUR STEP PROCESS
1. INQUIRY:
Inquirers are invited to ask questions, share their stories, hear the Good
News and reflect on the place of Jesus in their lives. The length of the
Inquiry period depends on the individual. Whenever Inquirers feel they
are growing closer to Jesus and many of their questions have been answered,
they formally request acceptance into the Catechumenate. The RCIA Team
and Pastor discern their readiness after prayer and reflection.
2. CATECHUMENATE:
Unbaptized Inquirers become Catechumens and baptized Inquirers
become Candidates when the Faith Family of Nativity accepts them through
the "Rite of Acceptance." They receive their Bible to pray, study and live.
They are expected to:
A. Grow in their personal relationship with Jesus.
B. Celebrate Mass with their new Faith Family every Sunday
(8:30 AM). Since they cannot share the Food at our Eucharistic Table, after
the Homily, the Pastor dismisses them to "break open the Word."
C. Pray with and for the community,
D. Continue to grow in understanding of Church teachings
and traditions.
E. Practice Christian service, acts of charity and sharing
faith.
When the Catechumens and Candidates feel they are ready
for a full commitment to Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church they formally
request acceptance into the next step in the process. The RCIA Team and
Pastor, after prayer and reflection discern their readiness.
3. PURIFICATION AND ENLIGHTENMENT:
The
Church Family of Nativity, on the first Sunday of Lent, formally accepts
the Catechumens and Candidates for full membership and sends them forth
to the Bishop for the Rite of Election for Catechumens and the Rite of
Calling for Candidates. During these forty days and nights of Lent they
are expected to continue their growth in faith and love.
SCRUTINIES
Readings on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th Sundays of Lent focus
on helping newcomers overcome weakness and build strengths. They receive
the Nicene Creed, the Our Father, Anointing, and Crucifix.
PREPARATIONS
The Elect live the Lenten call to prayer, fasting and
alrnsgiving with the rest of the faith community. It is very important
that they attend Holy Week services, especially during the Triduum, Holy
Thursday, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday.
BAPTISM
Through immersion into the water of baptism, Catechumens
share in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Sin is washed away
and they become a "new creation in Christ".
RECEPTION INTO FULL COMMUNION
Previously baptized Candidates confess their sins, profess
their faith and are received into full communion with the Church.
CONFIRMATION
This Sacrament of spiritual growth enables a person to
stand before the world as a witness to the power of the Holy Spirit through
the sacred anointing.
THE EUCHARIST
Newcomers share the Bread of Life and the Cup of Salvation,
which will deepen their initiation through their lives.
4. DISCIPLESHIP:
The Final step leads into full participation. With the
rest of the community, the newly initiated focus on developing a deeper
understanding of Jesus' death and resurrection by:
* Growing in their personal relationship with
Jesus;
* Celebrating the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist
every Sunday;
* Praying and studying the Scriptures daily;
* Joining a Bible Study Group;
* Stewardship of Time, Talent and Treasure;
* A Discipleship Ministry in the Church and the
World.
If you would like to
learn more about what the Catholic Church believes, please give the office a call at (812) 476-7186
Return to The Nativity Home Page.
