What is RCIA?
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"I love Divine Savior Catholic Church, because it is focused on God’s love and on social justice. The process to become Catholic here is amazing. It is welcoming to all, non- judgmental, very supportive and inspiring. I have been involved with many programs for self-development,
but none with a level of commitment and energy to match Divine Savior’s RCIA process."
~Debra - welcomed into the Catholic Church,
Easter Vigil 2019. -
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What Is RCIA?
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process by which one explores faith and life in the Catholic tradition. The Rite is modeled after the initiation process used in the first centuries of the early Church. It includes a combination of study, prayer, and participation in the liturgy and community, and certain rites during Mass. Participants who are unbaptized, known as catechumens, undergo a process of conversion as they study the Gospel, profess their faith in Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church, and receive the Sacraments of Christian Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.
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How Long Does RCIA Take?
How long does it take for any relationship to develop?
We all journey on different paths at different times. The Period of the Catechumenate, or period of instruction, can last for as long as several years or several months. It all depends on how the catechumen and their individual journey of growing in the faith. When discernment reveals the individual is ready to make a full faith commitment to Jesus and the Catholic Church, a request is made and the Rite of Election celebrated.
There are several, distinct periods of formation.
Some occur during certain times in our church year. Others are ongoing and tailored to an individual's journey....
Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate- This period is also known as the Period of Inquiry. After consultation with an advisor, the "inquirer" may decide to continue into the Order of Catechumens or Candidates.
The Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens and The Rite of Welcoming the Candidates- In both the Rite of Acceptance (non-baptized inquirers) and the Rite of Welcoming (Christian baptized inquirers), the inquirer states his or her desire to become a member of the Catholic Church and the assembly affirms that desire, welcoming the individual into the catechumenate.
Rite of Election and Period of Enlightenment- The Rite of Election, normally held on the first Sunday of Lent, enrolls the names of "the elect" seeking the sacraments of Christian Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) at the coming Easter Vigil, which is known as the Rite of Reception.
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Companions For The Journey
The preparation of adults, children and teens for the Sacraments of Christian Initiation is the responsibility of the entire parish community. The RCIA team exercises this responsibility in different roles.
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Sponsors are companions to adult seekers as they walk the journey to initiation. (Please reach out if you feel called to this ministry)
Catechists lead the sessions of Breaking Open the Word on Sundays and facilitate weekly sessions.
Companions on the Journey may facilitate sessions or simply accompany seekers at most weekly sessions.
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When Do We Meet?
Our sessions generally meet, year round, on Sunday mornings. We attend Mass together and then Break Open the Word followed by a topic of discussion, led by the Holy Spirit and our RCIA facilitators and Companions on the Journey
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If you are interested in learning about God through the Catholic Church, contact the parish office at (916) 989-7400 or [email protected]. We offer a safe place for you to explore your spiritual desires, receiving support and guidance from our RCIA faith team and the parish community.
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Contact Us
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jenniferdivinesavior.comCoordinator of Children and Youth Faith Formation/Sacrament Preparation
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