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RCIA Rite of
Christian Initiation for Adults Are you
interested in the Catholic Church? This process is for adults:
This process is a journey into not only the
teachings of the Church but into the way of life of the community. Ample time will be given to answer all questions along the
way. Listed below are the answers to the most frequently asked questions. ------------------------------------------------- Question:
How can a person find out about the RCIA? Answer: Contact the coordinator, Linda Sarman at 281-358-1959 ext 258 or the director of adult formation, Jeff Crandall at 281-358-1959 ext 212.
Question:
What does the acronym RCIA mean? Answer:
RCIA is an acronym for Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.
The word Rite means a ceremony or a process that the Church uses to
deepen our senses so that we may recognize God’s presence in our lives.
The word Christian is one who believes and faithfully follows the way of
Christ.
Initiation usually means to belong to a group that has a common belief or
goal. In the Catholic Church it means this and more. We seek
to be members of God’s family. The
RCIA seeks to make us members of this family through the teaching of and
experiences in the Church. We are
invited to Christ’s mission through our initiation into the Church.
The word Adult means to grow in maturity of knowledge, to develop, to
change into true Christians. Many
of us learned our faith as children; now as an adult so much more can be
learned, understood and embraced. It takes maturity to acknowledge what we know
and to change our lives by seeking the truths revealed by Christ.
Question:
Why does RCIA include rites instead of just having an adult education
study of the teachings of the Church? Answer:
The sacramental nature of the Catholic Church has a much deeper
meaning than can be grasped from study alone.
The process includes study, prayer, discussion, experiences in the life
of the community and the rites and liturgy of the Church.
Question:
To participate in the full process, when would a person begin? Answer:
Since RCIA is a process there is no beginning or end.
A person begins and stays in the process as long as they feel the need to
do so.
Question:
How long is the process? Answer:
The process for unbaptized people will be at least one year.
For those who are baptized, it will depend on their readiness to make the
sacraments if they so choose.
Question:
When do you meet? Answer:
Every Thursday in the FLC. We
also have dismissals after the 11 am Mass starting in January for those making
their sacraments.
Question:
If I attend, will I be pressured to become Catholic? Answer:
Absolutely not! We are not here to convince anyone to be Catholic.
This is a decision between you and God.
Time is set-aside for you to discern what God is calling you to do.
Question:
I am baptized in another faith community.
Will I be baptized again? Answer: No.
The Catholic Church recognizes your baptism. We are required to have certificates of baptism for our
records.
Question: I am interested in Catholicism but I don’t like to ask questions in a large group. Will I have to talk? Answer: We try to vary the meeting, sometimes gathering in small groups, sometimes large, sometimes one on one. Cards are provided on the tables for people to write their questions anonymously. If you are uncomfortable, please let the coordinator know and measures will be taken to accommodate your situation if possible. Question: I (and/or my spouse) am interested in the Catholic Church, but I (and/or my spouse) was divorced and am now remarried. Is it possible for me to become Catholic? Answer:
The Catholic Church welcomes everyone.
The process will have additional steps but St. Martha has a
deacon knowledgeable in this area willing to work with you on an individual
basis.
Question: We have an infant. Will he/she have to what until I am baptized (or received) into the Church before he/she can be baptized into the Church? Answer:
An infant does not have to wait for his parents to be baptized (or
received) into the Church. The parents will need to make arrangement with the secretary
in the office to sign up for Baptism class then the child may be baptized.
Question:
Are there test? Answer:
No. This is a time of
formation when you will grow in your relationship with Christ.
It is about relationship not about grades.
Question: I do not want to become Catholic but I would like to understand the religion of my spouse. What can I expect if I attend RCIA? Answer:
Everyone is welcome. In
learning more about the faith of your spouse we would hope that it would bridge
your differences and strengthen your marriage.
Question:
Why do I hear about adults being initiated into the sacraments of the
Catholic Church at Easter and not at other times? Answer:
Easter Vigil, the night before Easter Sunday, is the traditional time for
initiating adults into the Sacraments of Initiation but it is not the only time.
Arrangements may be made for reception at other times.
Question: I am Catholic and made all my sacraments except Confirmation. Do I have to do the year round RCIA process? Answer:
No, if you have been a practicing Catholic, you will have a six-week
class required by the diocese. You
would make your Confirmation on Pentecost Sunday following the completion of the
classes. ------------------------------------------- I hope we have been able to answer some of your questions. I would like to personally invite you to join us. Please call today. ------------------------------------------ Contact the coordinator, Linda Sarman at 281-358-1959 ext 258 or the director of adult formation, Jeff Crandall at 281-358-1959 ext 212.
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