PERIOD OF EVANGELIZATION AND PRECATECHUMENATE

This is the time of no fixed duration or structure for inquiry and introduction to Gospel values, an opportunity for the beginnings of faith.

Evangelization is an on-going process for all Catholics to spread the good news of the Gospel. However, in August we will begin to reach out to possible catechumens through media advertising, bulletin announcements and personal contact by parishioners. Please notify your relatives, friends and neighbors who are interested in the Catholic Church or who are curious about our beliefs and practices. Also consider discussing your faith with family and friends who are searching for meaning in their lives.
2010 Inquiry Classes will begin on Thursday, September 16, at 6:30 p.m. in the Parish Center. Inquiry classes are informal opportunities for non-Catholics and inactive Catholics to ask questions, share experiences and discover what Catholics really believe and do.

FIRST STEP: ACCEPTANCE INTO THE ORDER OF CATECHUMENS

This is the liturgical rite marking the beginning of the catechumenate proper, as the candidates express and the Church accepts their intention to respond to God's call to follow the way of Christ.

The Rite begins near the end of November. It is a beautiful and moving ceremony that begins in the vestibule of the Church. The candidates are presented to the community and are affirmed by the assembly. They are signed with the cross and are brought into the church.

Period of the Catechumenate

This is the time, in duration corresponding to the progress of the individual, for the nurturing and growth of the catechumen's faith and conversion to God; celebrations of the Word and prayers of exorcism and blessing are meant to assist the process.

Evening classes will be held on Thursday evenings (see 2010– 2011 RCIA Schedule for details). These classes are doctrinal, covering the four pillars of our faith: the Creed, the Sacraments, living a moral life and prayer.
The Rite of Sending will be every weekend at the Saturday or Sunday Liturgy (it will vary so that all parishioners will be a part of the RCIA). These are times to reflect and share the Liturgical Readings of the day.

SECOND STEP: ELECTION OR ENROLLMENT OF NAMES

This is the liturgical rite, usually celebrated on the First Sunday of Lent, by which the Church formally ratifies the catechumens, now the elect, who express the will to receive these sacraments.

Period of Purification and Enlightenment

This is the time immediately preceding the elect's initiation, usually the Lenten season preceding the celebration of this initiation at the Easter Vigil; it is a time of reflection, intensely centered on conversion, marked by celebration of the Scrutinies and presentations and of the preparation rites on Holy Saturday.

THIRD STEP: CELEBRATION OF THE SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION

This is the liturgical rite, usually integrated into the Easter Vigil, by which the elect are initiated through Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist.

Period of Postbaptismal Catechesis or Mystagogy

This is the time, usually the Easter season, following the celebration of initiation, during which the newly initiated experience being fully a part of the Christian community by means of pertinent catechesis and particularly by participation with all the faithful in the Sunday Eucharistic celebration.

Mystagogy involves the entire parish.
Lasts a lifetime but we will formally meet during the Easter Season.
The newly Baptized and received are integrated into the parish, its functions and organizations.