Saint Gabriel R.C.I.A.

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R.C.I.A.

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

R.C.I.A. is a process of seeking out, encouraging, and walking with those who desire to learn more about the Catholic Faith. It is a journey of faith that we walk together. The "we" includes the members of the RCIA Team and the inquirers, those who have decided to COME AND SEE. Initially there is no commitment. People are free to Come and See...Come and Stay...or to Come and Go.

Welcome!!! Come and See...Come and Stay... or Come and Go

There are four stages on this Journey:

Inquiry

People are simply looking, listening, asking questions.

Catechumenate

People have decided to stay on for more serious involvement with the process.

Election

People have decided to stay on for the rest of the journey with a view to becoming Catholic.

Mystagogy

After the reception into the Catholic faith, the new members, Neophytes, continue to walk with the RCIA Team members for weekly sessions over seven weeks for a deepening of their faith.

There are three retreats planned as part of this Journey of Faith. Each one happens at the intersection of the stages:

A Retreat prior to entering the Catechumenate.
A Retreat prior to the Rite of Election.
A Retreat immediately preceding the Profession of Faith as a Catholic which usually happens on the Saturday before Easter.

At the parish of St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother in Avondale PA, the RCIA Process is directed by our pastor, Father Richard Maisano and a team of parishioners who are dedicated to their ministry of welcoming new people, sharing their own faith stories as well as the gospel message, and creatively adding the dimension of community to the weekly RCIA sessions.

What we offer is a relaxed, informative atmosphere to those who seek to become members of our Catholic Faith. It is not a classroom model, but a living room model, and we sometimes hold our RCIA sessions in the homes of our team members.

New Team Members are Always Welcome!
Seekers of the Catholic Faith are Always Welcome!

If you would like to Come and See and perhaps journey with us to a new and deeper love of Jesus, then pick up your phone and dial (610)-268-0296. Father Maisano will be happy to answer any questions and to let you know the time and place of our next informal get-together.

You are Welcome! Come and See!