RCIA

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the educational
and spiritual process for welcoming and initiating new adult
members in the Catholic faith community.
The group meets each Monday at7:00 P.M. in the school.
The process is approximately one year in length and consists
of four steps ( see below ).

Please see the Pastor or Assistant Pastor after Mass or call the Parish
office to make arrangements.

The RCIA is done in 4 steps;

1.PERIOD OF INQUIRY

Awakening , conversion - a personal journey of mind, heart and spirit.
This is the initial period involving prayer and study using the Bible, the new Catholic Catechism, early Church history, documents of Vatican II etc.

The following titles are classic examples of the awakening process, or journey of conversion,- "Confessions " -St. Augustine,- Vintage Books Dec. 1998, " Seven Storey Mountain " - Thomas Merton,- Harcourt Brace Oct. 1998, " Crossing The Tiber " - Stephen K. Ray - Ignatius Press Feb. 1997," Something Beautiful for God " Malcolm Muggeridge- Harper San Francisco Nov. 1986.

( Article - Dion DiMucci personal testimony )

Audio - Dr. Kenneth Howell, personal testimony.

SEEKING GOD - Quotes by the early Christians.

2. Rite of Acceptance

Desire on the part of the inquirer for full discipleship, initiation and full communion with the Church is the requirement for this step.

3. Rite of Election

The Rite of Election marks the end of the period of basic instruction and formation, so the catchumens are now called the elect. The Bishop calls all catechumens and candidates to the diocesan cathedral to recognize and recieve them in the Rite of Election ceremony. The elect now join with the parishioners sharing the same goal as they journey through Lent.

4. Initiation and Full Participation

Assembling together with the parish congregation on the Easter Vigil, the elect and candidates celebrate their Baptism, Confirmation and first Eucharist, recognizing, as the Church teaches, in baptism we die to sin in Christ's death so that we may rise to new life with Him. This Initiation is the beginning of a life of full ongoing sacramental participation and prayer.

( More information on the R.C.I.A. process can be obtained through the new Catechism of the Catholic Church available in bookstores and libraries, and, below online.

For additional information , please use the following links-

RCIA Course Resources - Cathedral of St. Patrick
Gives an excellent, complete course outline for individuals and parishes within the Diocese of Norwich..

IGNATIUS PRESS - Publisher of books , audio and video tapes.

PAULINE BOOKS & MEDIA - Daughters of St. Paul.

CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH- Complete new catechism online.

Saint Of The Day - Saints listed daily according to the liturgical year.

EARLY CHURCH HISTORY - History of the church from the first centuries - a comprehensive resource for the study of early church life.

National Conference of Catholic Bishops - Information on the Catholic Church in the United States.