Becoming a Catholic

 

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) is offered year-round for those thinking about becoming a Catholic or completing their sacraments of initiation. RCIA is intended for adults with a wide range of needs and circumstances including:

• Those never baptized who are considering baptism, including those who may have a background in the Christian faith and those with no previous background.
• Those baptized in other Christian communities who are considering entering into full communion with the Catholic Church
• Those baptized as Catholics who have not yet received all their sacraments of initiation (first communion or confirmation)
• Parents seeking Baptism for older children and youth.

The first step is to arrange a meeting with the RCIA Team to learn more about your faith background, to discuss the RCIA process and options, and to discern together how best to serve your individual circumstances and needs.

To arrange a meeting with the RCIA Team,  please contact Greg via email at rcia@stalbertthegreat.ca 

 

WHAT IS RCIA?

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a process developed by the Roman Catholic Church for prospective converts to Catholicism who are above the age of infant baptism. Candidates are gradually introduced to aspects of Catholic beliefs and practices.

​​The RCIA is a return to the earliest traditions of our Church which took place between the second and the fifth centuries of the Christian era. The RCIA takes place step by step in the midst of the Christian community. The whole community is called to reflect upon the value of their faith, to renew their own conversion, and by their example, to lead those who are searching to be open to the presence of the Spirit in their lives.

The RCIA begins with a period of inquiry and maturing. This is a time for hearing the first preaching of the Gospel and of prayer. The end of this period is marked by the first stage or step which is celebrated by the whole community: The Rite of Becoming A Catechumen.

The second period is called the Catechumenate. This is a time of more intense preaching and teaching of the Gospel, prayer, spiritual direction, catechesis – the handing on the specific Roman Catholic traditions and personal contact with members of the larger Christian community. This period ends with “The Rite of Election” when the catechumens are ready to respond totally to God’s call of faith through the sacraments of initiation, Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.

The third period takes place during Lent. It is a time of purification and enlightenment or illumination for a more profound spiritual preparation. Its focus and conclusion is the Easter Vigil celebration and the sacraments of initiation.

The final period takes place during the Easter Season. The newly baptized are able to deepen their experience of the sacraments and of being new members of the Christian community.

If you are interested in being initiated into the Roman Catholic Church through St. Albert the Great  please contact Greg at rcia@stalbertthegreat.ca 

RCIA SPONSORSHIP

Our parish needs sponsors, men & women, to accompany those who are on the journey to become Catholic, through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. Sponsors offer companionship and prayer that supports the Catechumen or Candidate through the RCIA process.

You do not need to be a teacher of the faith, just a fully initiated and practising Catholic.  Many sponsors have said this role has helped them grow in their own faith.  The time commitment is to attend some of the weekly Wednesday evening catechesis sessions and ultimately the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil.

We like to pair sponsors with new seekers, although the Wednesday evening commitment won’t begin until next September we always looking to expand our sponsorship.

If you think God might be calling you to be a companion for one of these seekers, please contact Greg Yont at rcia@stalbertthegreat.ca