CHRISTIAN INITIATION
CHRISTIAN INITIATION
CATHOLIC INQUIRY SESSIONS: Have you ever wondered about how to become Catholic? Do you have questions regarding the Catholic Church’s teachings or traditions? If so, you may want to consider attending an Inquiry Session. Inquiry Sessions allow participants to explore the Catholic faith with no ongoing commitment. They are held on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of every month after the 9:30 a.m. Mass in room 101B. No R.S.V.P. required. Please contact Carole Yaney in the parish office if you have any questions, (260) 432-0268 ext. 107.
Thinking About Becoming Catholic?
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
Between the third and the fifth centuries, the Church had entered its purest form of initiating new members into the Church. Those seeking initiation, called catechumens, entered a formation process which focused on conversion through prayer, study, and service. It also allowed those preparing to enter the Church to get better acquainted with the church community.
Through the centuries, the formal initiation process was lost. It wasn’t until Vatican II in 1962-1965 that the Church truly recognized the value of this ancient initiation process as it related to the conversion of the hearts and minds of those seeking initiation into the church. It is a way to ensure the Church’s survival by creating disciples, not just members.
Today, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the standard process used throughout the world to initiate adults and children into the Roman Catholic Church.
Rite of Christian Initiation
INQUIRY:
· Called “Pre-Catechumenate.”
· Informal period that focuses on initial conversion through Scripture, prayer, and faith sharing.
· Opportunity for participants to ask questions and discuss general Church teachings.
· Period for participants to decide whether to enter formation to become Catholic.
Celebration/Rite:
Church celebrates “Rite of Acceptance in the Order of Catechumens” for unbaptized or “Rite of Welcoming the Candidates” for baptized.
FORMATION
· Called “Period of Catechumenate.”
· Period of deepening faith and understanding of the Church that focuses on prayer, worship, catechesis, service, and community. Participants “Break Open the Word” each Sunday during 9:30 a.m. Mass and attend class afterwards.
· No fixed duration for baptized individuals; minimum of 12 month period for unbaptized.
Celebration/Rite:
Celebration of “Rite of Election” for unbaptized and
“Rite of Calling to Continuing Conversion” for baptized.
REFLECTION:
· Called “Purification & Enlightenment.”
· Spiritual preparation period immediately before initiation.
· Celebration of three Scrutinies for unbaptized.
· Celebration of Penitential Rite for baptized.
Celebration/Rite
· Rite of Initiation
· Unbaptized individuals receive Baptism, Eucharist,
and Confirmation at Easter Vigil.
· Baptized individuals receive Eucharist and Confirmation
(First Reconciliation for baptized is during period of Reflection).
POST-BAPTISMAL FORMATION:
· Called “Mystagogia.”
· Newly initiated individuals are called “Neophytes.”
· 12 month period following initiation in which Neophytes meet periodically.
· Period to deepen understanding of living a sacramental life. First Reconciliation for newly baptized.
· Neophytes learn to use their gifts and talents to serve the Church and community.
For more information about the RCIA process, please contact Carole Yaney at (260) 432-0268, extension 107,
or email cyaney@seasfw.org.
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church
10700 Aboite Center Road
Fort Wayne, IN 46804
(260) 432-0268
www.seasfw.parishesonline.com
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