Religious Education Office 610-337-2173
theresa.gilmore@mdpschool.com
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
Preparing Adults to Receive the Sacraments
The spiritual journey of a person who seeks
to be one with the Catholic Church
in her prayers, worship and Sacraments.
A process of learning, faith sharing
and joyful liturgical Rites to celebrate what
God has already done in your life.
An invitation to those who:
-are not baptized
-are baptized in another Christian tradition
-are baptized Catholic but have not received the
Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist or Confirmation
Jesus said to them,
“Come and see.” John 1:39
February
18 5:15 PM Mass – Rite of Sending
25 6:30 PM – Rite of Election at the Cathedral (arrive 5:30)
March
10 5:15 PM Mass – First Scrutiny
17 5:15 PM Mass – Second Scrutiny
24 Retreat for Children in RCIA 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM
5:15 PM Mass – Third Scrutiny
31 Retreat for Adults in RCIA 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Malvern Retreat House
April
7 Christian Initiation at Easter Vigil 8:00 PM
For information on dates and times of RCIA gatherings
please contact Theresa M. Gilmore, Director of Religious Education
The journey of Christian Initiation is divided into four periods during which time the one seeking to come into the Catholic Church has the opportunity to learn, question, share and grow in both knowledge and love of God.
Each period ends with a liturgical celebration (Rite) during which the parish assembly publicly acknowledges the work that God had done in the life of this person.
Throughout the journey, and with the ongoing assistance of the catechetical team, each individual discerns their readiness to take the next step.
The Period of the Precatechumenate is an informal time for questions, sharing personal stories and introduction to parish life. The Gospel message of salvation is proclaimed, faith is awakened and stirrings of conversion of heart begin.
The Rite of Acceptance of those seeking Baptism and the Rite of Welcome for those wishing to complete their Christian Initiation celebrate the wonders God has begun in the hearts of the Inquirers. This marks the end of the Precatechumenate.
The Catechumenate is the second step in the journey of Christian Initiation. This is a time of deepening faith and conversion for the Catechumens (unbaptized) and Candidates (baptized). Catechesis is based on the Liturgy of the Word, the doctrines of our Faith are discussed, prayer and worship take on greater significance, and the apostolic life is introduced.
The Rite of Election is celebrated at the Cathedral of Ss. Peter and Paul on the first Saturday / Sunday of Lent. Catechumens and Candidates assemble from around the archdiocese to join their voices in praise because they have been elected by God and called to the Sacraments of Initiation.
The lenten season is known as the Period of Purification and Enlightenment because it seeks to eliminate what is weak and sinful and affirm what is holy. This is a prayerful and reflective time for the Elect and the Candidates as they enter into their final preparation for the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation.
The Church, in her wisdom, sets aside special liturgical prayers (Rites) to assist these sojourners in their final preparation. These prayers and presentations are celebrated at various times during Lent, usually at a Sunday Liturgy.
It is with great joy that the Church celebrates the Easter Vigil as she calls to mind our risen Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In this joy, she calls forth the Elect to the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. The Candidates, who are already validly baptized in another Christian tradition, make a Profession of Faith and receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. Candidates will celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation prior to the Easter Vigil.
Mystagogy means to reflect on the mysteries. This is the fourth period of time in the process of Christian Initiation. Now that the Neophytes, the newly received, have entered into the mysteries of the Church by participation in the Sacraments time is spent allowing them to reflect on the marvels that God has wrought in their lives. This period of time continues until Pentecost Sunday.
Those adults who are already baptized into the Catholic Church, but for some reason have not completed their Sacraments of Initiation, will be confirmed by the Bishop. This celebration of Confirmation may take place here at the parish on a year when we are celebrating Confirmation with our young people, or on Pentecost Sunday at the cathedral with adults from around the archdiocese. Candidates receive Holy Communion for the first time at the same Liturgy. Candidates will celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation sometime before Confirmation.
“Come and see.”
