RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA)

What is RCIA? It is a process in which adults are invited to grow in faith. It is not intended to make everyone converts. It is based on the most ancient and recognized model of initiation for adults in the Roman Catholic Church. It is educational, social and primarily spiritual.

Who can attend? Any adult, baptized or not, who wishes to possibly pursue full initiation in the Catholic Church. Those who attend are asked to bring their sponsors to as many sessions as possible. Full initiation involves the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.

What is a sponsor? Your sponsor should be a practicing Catholic with whom you have the kind of relationship that you can discuss topics such as those covered during the process. It should be someone who is reputable and considers him or herself a disciple of Jesus Christ, committed to the Catholic faith. We ask that they attend the Monday night sessions with you as much as possible.

Meetings: Every Monday from 7:00 to 8:30 PM in the Parish Center beginning September through the Easter Vigil and ending after some sessions during the Mystagogia time in May and June.

There are also several minor rites to celebrate throughout the year that the candidate and sponsor will be asked to attend:

·        Feast of Christ The King - Rite of Welcoming of the candidates and catechumens – 5:00 PM Mass

·        Sun. Before Ash Wednesday - 12 noon Mass – Rite of Acceptance of Candidates

·        1^st Sunday of Lent - 12 noon Mass - Rite of Sending Forth followed by the Rite of Election in Trenton

·        3^rd Sunday of Lent - First Scrutiny, 9:00 AM Mass  

·        4^th Sunday of Lent - Second Scrutiny, 10:30 AM Mass

·        5^th Sunday of Lent - Third Scrutiny, 12 noon Mass

·        Easter Vigil - Rite of Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist and full Initiation into the Church. Reception to follow

Contact: Eugenia Kelly at 732-842-0348 ext127