Easter Vigil
Rite of Christian Initiation
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If you or anyone you know is interested in the Catholic Faith, please have them contact Fr. Clark or
Rick Moser. Inquiry classes will begin in September. R.C.I.A. classes will start after Inquiry classes
end.
If your child or children have been baptized but have not received 1st Penance or 1st Eucharist, and
they are in the fourth grade or higher, they should be enrolled in RCIC in order to receive those
sacraments. Please contact Fr. Clark or Rick Moser for more information. Classes will begin in
the fall.
What is RCIA
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the process by which people become
members of the Roman Catholic Church. The process is concerned with the total formation of the
person into believing with the Church community (doctrinal formation), living with the Church
community (practical formation), praying with the Church community (liturgical formation), and serving
with the Church community (apostolic formation). This gradual development culminates in the
celebration of the initiation sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and the Eucharist at Easter time.
History
From the beginning of Christianity, there has been a period of instruction for anyone wishing to
become Christian. By 215 AD a full catechumenate was in existence. First one had to be presented
to the leaders of the Church by other Christians who were witnesses or sponsors to the motives
and life of the candidate seeking Baptism. The normal period of time in the catechumenate was
three years. The candidates were encouraged to pray frequently, fast and do other penitential
exercises. Their instruction consisted of studying scripture, the Apostles Creed and other
available sources of instruction in the faith. At the end of the period of instruction, there was
an examination. They were not examined so much on perfect knowledge of doctrine, but rather on
the manner of their lives (did they show example of living a true Christian lifestyle). Over the
next two or three centuries, there were some variations in this procedure. At times, the
catechumens were allowed to attend Mass only through the end of the readings. After finishing
their instruction and Baptism, they were then permitted to participate fully in the whole Mass.
Very often the season of Lent was to be spent in great preparation for Baptism at Easter. The
candidates often spent this time in a great deal of prayer and penitential exercises. They
also went through what was called the scrutinies. These were not examinations but more of a
call into the Church and a renunciation of Satan and all evil (sometimes called exorcism).
Sometime after the sixth century the period of the catechumenate disappeared. This was probably
due to the fact that adult baptism became rare and infant baptism had become the norm with the
period of instruction following Baptism. Until the time of Vatican II in the early 1960s, adults
wishing to become members of the Church would go individually through whatever preparation the
local priest would have them do. Vatican II wished to restore the spirit of the original
catechumenate and instituted the RCIA.
Process of Christian Initiation of Adults
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.
Inquiry classes will begin the first Thursday in September.
Inquiry classes are informal opportunities for non-Catholics and inactive
Catholics to ask questions, share experiences and discover what Catholics really
believe and do. Classes will continue for eight weeks. Classes are moderated
by the Pastor and the Parish Catechists.
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 the ninth week — near the end of October. 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 in the Parish
rectory (schedule to be published later). 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.
Mustagogy 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.
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