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September 25, 2024Welcome to the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) at Our Lady of Mercy Parish! We’re excited to journey with you as you explore the Catholic faith and discern your path towards full communion with the Church.What is RCIA?
RCIA is a journey of faith, designed to introduce you to the beliefs, practices, and community life of the Catholic Church. It involves different stages that move at your own pace, helping you prepare spiritually, intellectually, and communally to become fully initiated into the Catholic Church.
The main stages of RCIA are:
- Inquiry (Pre-Catechumenate): A time to ask questions and explore the basics of the Catholic faith.
- Catechumenate: A period of deeper study of the faith and reflection on how it applies to your life.
- Purification and Enlightenment: This stage takes place during Lent and is a time of spiritual preparation for those ready to be initiated into the Church.
- Mystagogy: After receiving the sacraments at Easter, this stage focuses on living out the mysteries of the faith in daily life.
The Purification and Enlightenment stage begins when the Bishop formally welcomes you and unrolls your name in the Book of the Elect at St Mary's Cathedral, Newcastle on the First Sunday of Lent. The Mystagogy stage begins after you have celebrated the sacraments of Christian Initiation at the Easter Vigil.The Course Structure
For the first few months, we’ll be using Bishop Robert Barron’s Catholicism series as a guide. Each session will include:
- Watching an episode of Catholicism, which introduces a key theme or teaching of the Catholic Church.
- Reflection questions provided by Bishop Barron to help us delve deeper into the material we’ve watched.
- Open discussion, where we’ll talk about what stood out, share insights, and address any questions you might have.
While the Catholicism series provides structure, there will also be flexibility. Some weeks, we may focus on specific topics like Catholic prayers, the Mass, or the sacraments. We’ll also be attentive to the questions and interests that arise from the group, ensuring the sessions meet your needs as you journey deeper into the faith.
Important Milestones
As we progress, there are several key dates to keep in mind as part of your RCIA journey:
- Wednesdays, 6.30 p.m. is when we meet; a full calendar is available on the parish website at https://sunderlandcatholic.com/rcia-programme.
- 1st December 2024: Entry to the Catechumenate (First Sunday of Advent). This is a formal step for those who wish to continue their journey toward baptism or full initiation.
- 2nd March 2025: Rite of Election (First Sunday of Lent). This is a public declaration of your intention to enter into the sacraments of initiation.
- 19th April 2025: Easter Vigil. This is the night when those ready will receive the sacraments of initiation—baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist—and be welcomed fully into the Church.
Sponsors: What You Need to Know
At some point during your RCIA journey, you will need a Catholic sponsor to accompany you. This person will act as a guide and support in your faith journey. They should be a practising Catholic in good standing with the Church. They stand at your side at the Entry into the Catecumenate, the Rite of Election and at the Easter Vigil.
There’s no hurry to choose your sponsor just yet, but it’s worth beginning to think about who might be suitable. If you don’t know someone who could take on this role, don’t worry! We can help you find a sponsor through the parish community.
The Importance of Sunday Mass
The RCIA programme on Wednesdays is designed to supplement your experience of the Sunday Mass, not replace it. Attending Mass regularly is a key requirement of the RCIA process, as it immerses you in the prayer life of the Church and the local Catholic community. By participating in the liturgy, you’ll begin to experience the rhythm of Catholic worship and deepen your relationship with Christ and His Church.
Being part of the community at Mass will also help you feel more connected to the parish, and it may even give you an opportunity to meet someone who could act as your sponsor.
What to Bring
As you continue on this journey, it may be helpful to have your own resources. While we will have copies to share, you may want to consider bringing:
- A Catholic Bible: The Bible will be a significant part of our study and reflection. We recommend the English Standard Version (ESV), which will soon be the official version used in our liturgies.
- The Catechism of the Catholic Church: This is a comprehensive guide to the teachings of the Church and will serve as a helpful reference as you learn.
What We Expect
While this journey is one of discovery, it also requires commitment. Regular attendance and active participation in discussions will help you make the most of this experience. In return, we are here to support you through prayer, guidance, and community.
Each session is designed to help you grow in your understanding of the Catholic faith and deepen your relationship with Christ. Feel free to ask questions, share your experiences, and reflect on how this process is shaping your faith.
Final Thoughts
We are here to support you every step of the way. Remember that each person’s journey is unique, and there’s no pressure to have all the answers straight away. This is a process of learning, growing, and discerning together.
If you have any further questions or need clarification on anything we discussed in the first meeting, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We look forward to seeing you at our next session and continuing this incredible journey together!
Closing Prayer
Let us keep one another in prayer as we embark on this journey of faith. May the Lord guide our hearts and minds as we seek to know Him more deeply and follow His will.
