Archangel St. Raphael

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
RCIA

RCIA is an opportunity to share the Catholic Faith with non-Catholic neighbors, friends and future parishioners through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults Program (RCIA). The RCIA program is still something of a mystery to many "cradle" Catholics. So let me explain what RCIA is all about. The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us "from the time of the apostles, becoming a Christian has been accomplished by a journey and initiation in several stages" (CCC 1229). What does that mean? - That means that together WE are going to investigate, study, and apply to our daily lives the teachings of the Catholic Church.

How are we going to do that? There will be a presentation and explanation of the subject to be covered each class using Scripture, the Catechism of the Catholic Church and our textbook. The presentation will last approximately 30 -45 minutes. Then there will be opportunities for questions, discussion, faith-sharing and individual insight on the material.

Who can attend R.C.I.A? - Anyone and everyone are welcome at R.C. I. A. There are three terms for the people who attend R.C.I. A: Inquires, that is, people who have been baptized Catholic and want to review and deepen their own knowledge, appreciation and practice of the Faith; Catechumens, that is, people who have not been baptized and are preparing to receive Baptism and acceptance into the Church; and Candidates, that is people, who have been Baptized into another Christian Faith and are now interested in learning about the Catholic Faith and become fully in communion with the Church.

What if I am not Catholic, do I have to become Catholic if I attend R.C. I.A.? - At no point is anyone ever forced or coerced into embracing the Catholic Faith. You may follow the program all the way through to the end and decide that you do not want to become Catholic, at least at this time, and that decision will be respected.

Evening classes begin October 19th at 7:00pm Last class is April 12th (Wednesday before Easter). For more information call 763-537-8401 ext 511 or 763-535-6723 leave a message and Mary Jo Smith will return your call.


2005-2006 RCIA CALENDER

All classes will be held on Wednesday nights unless specified differently.
All classes will begin at 7:00 pm and will end at 8:00pm.

October 19 Introduction, Information and Overview of RCIA
 
The first five classes will focus on the Profession of Faith
 
October 26 How We Come to Know God
November 2 God Sends His Son
November 9 Belief in the Holy Spirit
November 16 Life Everlasting
November 23 *** NO CLASS***
November 30 Belief in the Holy Catholic Church
December 7 Sponsor Night
 
The next three classes will focus on The Celebration of the Christian Prayer
 
December 14 Liturgical Year
December 15 Liturgy/The Mass - tour of Church
December 21 ***NO CLASS**
December 29 Prayer - Communication with God
January 4 The Lord's Prayer, the Hail Mary & the Rosary
 
The next four classes will focus on The Celebration of the Christian Mystery
 
January 11 Sacraments: The Touch of Christ
January 18 Sacraments of Initiation
January 25 Sacraments of Healing
February 1 Sacraments of Vocation



Last modified 09/02/05