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                      Rights of Christian Initiation (RCIA/RCIC)

                                        RCIA for Adults

    The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults has its roots in the ancient Church, reaching back through the close of the First Century to the beginning of the Sixth Century.  However, one of the directives of Vatican Council II was to restore and renew the Catechumenate-the ancient rites and process of adult faith formation.

The restored Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults welcomes through the sacraments of initiation adults who have never been baptized; adults who have been baptized in other Christian communities; adults who were baptized Catholic but have not been catechized.  Those who have never been baptized (Catechumens) receive baptism, confirmation and Eucharist.  Men and women who have been baptized in other Christian communities or who are baptized and not catechized Catholic (Candidates) make a profession of faith, and receive confirmation and Eucharist and are welcomed into full communion in the Catholic Church.

The RCIA is ultimately about adult conversion and faith formation in a welcoming community.  Adults experience our community, have opportunities to participate in scripture study, church teaching, faith sharing, friendship with a sponsor or godparent, and in the rituals that mark their progress toward the Easter Vigil.

If you wish to become Catholic, or you know someone who does, or you want to serve as a sponsor or team member; call Beverly Corzine, Pastoral Assistant at 817-460-2751. 

                                       RCIA Adapted for Children

RCIA- Adapted for Children is a program for children in our parish who have never been baptized, or have been baptized, but not catechized, nor have received the other Sacraments of full initiation (Confirmation and Eucharist).  This program begins in September, meets monthly in three-hour sessions with parents and children, involves attendance at a Salvation Retreat just before Easter, and culminates in the children being baptized or full received into the Church at the Easter Vigil Mass.

Children go through all of the same rites as an adult, and are recognized as part of the Elect at the Call to the Easter Sacraments (a diocesan gathering of the elect from a number of churches at one time).  After Easter, the children and their parents continue for several additional sessions, referred to as the Mystagogia period.  This is a time for integrating the new Catholics into the life of the Parish. 

If you have a child who might benefit from the program, or if you would like to volunteer to help with this ministry, please contact Becky Lucas at 817/460-2751.