Ss. Anthony and Philip Catholic Community
R. C. I. A.
R.C.I.A.
(Rite
of Christian Initiation of Adults)
Are you an adult who is interested in learning about the Catholic faith?
And, possibly joining the Catholic Church?
R.C.I.A. is for YOU!
Classes will begin soon.
Please call 929-7701 for more
information or to register.
R.C.I.A.
Rite
of Christian Initiation
of Adults
R.C.I.A. is the process and celebration of adults coming into the Catholic Faith. It is a learning process as well as a celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist) for these adults.
Our parish combines the preparation sessions and ceremony with St. Thomas Parish in Montfort, WI. Our preparation or learning sessions begin in the first week of Advent and continue until the Easter Vigil. Each R.C.I.A. Candidate (or Elect) asks a Sponsor to join them during each of the learning sessions. Together with the presenter they meet twice a month until Lent. Many traditions and elements of the Catholic faith are presented to the people gathered at these sessions. Discussion time is a great time to ask all those questions a person would have about the Catholic Church.
THE ROLE OF THE PARISH
The entire Christian Community has a mentoring and prayerful role. The whole community provides a model for our new adults by their actions, prayers, words and deeds. The people of the two parishes are asked to keep the R.C.I.A. Candidates in their prayers throughout the year. It is an opportune time for the faith community to recommit themselves to the mission of the church. During the Lenten rituals (see below) the community is strongly encouraged to participate in the Sundays that have the Scrutinies, the Rite of the Elect, and especially the Easter Vigil.
R.C.I.A. RETREAT
At this time our parishes do not have a R.C.I.A. Retreat.
RITE OF THE ELECT
On the first Sunday of Lent, our Diocese celebrates the Rite of the Elect. It usually takes place at St. John the Baptist in Waunakee around 2:00 p.m. All R.C.I.A. Candidates and their Sponsors are formally invited to this special celebration. At this time the ‘Elect’ go ahead with the final preparations for the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist) that will happen at the Easter Vigil. All candidates in the R.C.I.A. process have an opportunity to sign the Diocesan Book of the Elect. If our R.C.I.A. Candidates can’t make this diocesan ceremony, we hold our own ceremony usually during our weekend Masses.
THE SCRUTINIES
During the 3rd, 4th and 5th Sundays of Lent, the R.C.I.A. Candidates and the presenter are ‘dismissed’ from Mass immediately after the Homily. The Elect are given a blessing from the celebrant along with words of wisdom and then dismissed. The group goes to a quiet place to “Scrutinize” the gospel readings that was just read to them at Mass. It’s basically a time to study the scripture at hand and see how it applies to their daily lives. They rejoin their family members after Mass.
EASTER VIGIL
On the evening before Easter after nightfall, our church begins the Easter Vigil. Many wonderful traditions and rituals take place. We begin our service in darkness. The Scripture Readings are proclaimed. Followed appropriately by the lighting of the holy fire. At this time the entire congregation is holding candles that have been lit from the Easter Candle bringing light to all the church. The ceremony continues with the blessing of the holy water. This special water is used with the first of the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism. The babies are baptized along with any R.C.I.A. Candidate who has not already been baptized in a Christian faith. This is followed by the Sacrament of Confirmation, usually performed by the pastor of the parish (with the Bishop’s permission). The Mass continues with the Preparation of Gifts and the Eucharist Prayer. At communion time the R.C.I.A. Candidates are welcomed to the Table of the Lord – some for the very first time. After the Communion Rite, the Mass continues as usual.
HOW DOES
A PERSON BEGIN R.C.I.A.?
If you would like to become Catholic, we highly recommend going through the R.C.I.A. process. To find out about the material used in the learning sessions, please contact our parish office. If you would like to start the R.C.I.A. process, please begin looking for a Sponsor. This sponsor must be a confirmed practicing Catholic who is willing to accompany you to the learning sessions as well as the Scrutinies and the ceremony at the Easter Vigil. Please call the parish office and let us know you are interested and to find out the date for the first meeting.
HOW DOES
A PERSON BE AN R.C.I.A. PRESENTER?
We ask that our presenters have some background in Religious Educational studies. It is ideal for a presenter to have been a Catechist at some time in their life. The material that is presented to our R.C.I.A. folks is chosen and supplied by our Religious Education Program. Being part of the R.C.I.A. team is a very rewarding experience. You learn many things about your faith – or at the very least you are reminded of many things about your religion. At this time, we are asking that the people on the R.C.I.A. team come from either of the two parishes involved: Ss. Anthony & Philip Parish or St. Thomas Parish. If you are interested, please contact our parish office.