Overview

What is RCIA?

RCIA is short for Rites of Christian Initiation of Adults. It is the process for adults thinking about or desiring to become full members of the Roman Catholic community. This process is the outgrowth of Vatican Council II restoring the practice of initiating adults in the Catholic Christian community. The local community prepares men and women through Worship, Word, and Witness.  The process involves responding to an often unexplainable call around the word of God.   This process focuses on discerning God’s invitation to live a Catholic Christian life and leading to serving Jesus in daily life.  (The RCIA: Transforming the Church. Thomas H. Morris. (New York: Paulist Press, 1989.) The process culminates with persons being baptized or renewing their baptismal promises, being Confirmed, and making their First Eucharist. Usually this takes place during the Easter Vigil service.

Who can participate?

RCIA is for any adult who is not Catholic and is interested in becoming Catholic. It is also for any adult baptized Catholic who has NOT made their First Eucharist and/or Confirmation.

When will classes be starting?

Classes will be starting on Sunday, September 9, 2007 at 10:00AM with a guided tour of St. Mary’s Church led by Fr. Thomas P. Mull, pastor. Participants will meet by the first several pews in church. The tour will take about an hour.

What will the classes be like and who will instruct?

Classes begin on Sunday, September 9 and go through March 22 - Easter Vigil to prepare

for receiving the sacraments. There will be several post-Easter classes on a variety of  topics.

The year concludes with a celebration brunch to welcome all new parishioners at a date and time to be decided. Our presenters will be Core Team members and selected parish volunteers. For your convenience, please see our calendar  for class meeting times and further details. Printed copies will be available at the coffee hours and at the opening sessions.

Sundays, September 9 and September 16 will be in St. Mary’s Church
from 10:00AM – 11:15AM.  

Sundays, September 23, September 30, and October 7 will be at 40 Gibson St

("The Yellow House") from 10:00AM – 11:15AM.  

Beginning Sunday, October 14, participants will be attending 9:00AM Mass together and be leaving after the Homily to discuss the Sunday readings and homily and how they apply to daily living.  These breakout sessions are called  "Dismissals".   Dismissal leaders

will be RCIA Core team members and selected parish volunteers. Our weekly presentations continue from 10:00AM - 11:15AM. with Sponsors attending.

Who Can Be A Sponsor?

Any adult who is a fully initiated Catholic can be a sponsor. "Fully initiated" means

a person having been Baptized,  made their First Eucharist (Communion) and been

Confirmed. Since the role of the Sponsor is an important one, a practicing Catholic

usually serves more effectively.  According to Church Law, a parent is not   allowed

to serve as a Sponsor for their child - regardless of the age. 

Why are Sponsors Needed in the RCIA Process?

Sponsors serve their participant in several ways.  They act as a companion, or support along this journey or path. They answer questions and clarify understandings as they unfold in classes and in daily life.  If a participant is absent for some reason, they are to help their person make up the missed work.  Finally, they usually act as the official witness for Baptism, Confirmation, and during the special prayer ceremonies during the year.

What If I Want To More Information?

You are encouraged to contact Marie Fischette, RCIA/RCIC Coordinator, for details.

Marie can be reached by phone at 394-1220 x37 or by email at <mfischette@dor.org>

She will gladly respond to your inquiry and invite you come in person for an interview.

RCIA will be hosting two information coffee hours will be on Sundays September 9th and September 16th at  St. Mary’s Church – Dougherty Hall (basement of the Church) from 10:00AM – 11:00AM. Present and former members of RCIA will happily welcome you, give out information about this year’s process, and answer questions.  An informational coffee hour will be arranged at St. Bridget's at a date and time to be announced.

How Can I Help A Friend Who Is Thinking About Becoming Catholic?

You can help your friend in several ways. You can:

 
      * pray for the person who is trying to decide
      *talk with your friend and share how meaningful your faith is

      * bring your friend to Mass or to a parish event
      *encourage your friend to contact the coordinator with any questions
      *accompany your friend to their first visit with the coordinator

What if I Have Children Who Are Not Catholic?

Children who are 6 years old or younger are baptized with both parents consent.

Classes for parents are held on an-going basis. Please contact Deacon Claude at

394-1220 x15  or email at <clester@dor.org>  Children who are ages 7 through 16

need to participate in the RCIC classes on Sunday mornings. The RCIC process

follows a similar process and calendar with classes age appropriate. For further details,

contact the the Coordinator at 394-1220 x37 or by email at <mfischette@dor.org> 

What If I Am Not Catholic and Want To Get Married In the Church?

If couples want to be married within our Catholic faith community, only one person needs to be Catholic to marry in the church. If a non-Catholic freely chooses to become Catholic, they are certainly welcome to do so.  Since RCIA classes will soon be starting, he or she needs to

contact the coordiinator for an interview as soon as possible.   Marie can be reached

by phone at 394-1220 x37 or by email at <mfischette@dor.org>    In addition, a couple

needs to attend several sessions on preparing for marriage.  If a person has been

previously married, additional meetings maybe needed to address these issues.

For more details, regarding marriage preparation and scheduling a date  please contact

EITHER Fr. Thomas P Mull at 394-1220 x31 or <fmull@dor.org>  OR Deacon Claude Lester

at 394-1220 x15 or <clester@dor.org>