Christ Our Redeemer Catholic Parish Welcomes you to the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults
Call to Prayer
In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit Dear God: Thank you for bringing us together on this night and thank you for calling us on this faith journey. We pray for the strength and courage to participate fully in sharing our beliefs and our need to know You. We pray for the wisdom to listen with an open and accepting mind, respecting everyone, their privacy, their gifts and talents. We pray for the trust needed to join in a loving circle so that we may experience belonging, acceptance and the unconditional love you have for us. We pray for the guidance and grace needed to build a Catholic community of discerning believers. We pray for your peace and the faith to know, love and follow you. This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord Amen
Introductions Father Robert Johnson Pastor Deacon Jim Murray Coordinator 974-1033 deaconjimm@gmail.com Ms. Rosemarie Adams Academic Facilitator 850-598-3465 catholicrose2010@gmail.com Ms. Tricia Zermeño Parish Administration 897-7797 coroffice@gmail,com
What is the RCIA? The Church s formal program for entry into the faith Required method for inquirers who have reached the age of 14 The age of reason is considered age 7, however there is no formal program for children The parish will work one on one with anyone over 7 years Commitment to the journey of faith
Who Attends? Unbaptized (Catechumen) Those baptized in another faith (Candidates) Those who were baptized in the Catholic Faith, but never catechized (uncatechized Catholics) Any others who wish to increase their knowledge of the faith
What are the Periods in RCIA Inquiry The Catechumenate Purification and Enlightenment Easter Vigil and Mystagogy
What do I Need to Do? If you have been baptized, bring a copy of your baptismal certificate to the next class Consider a sponsor Consider a Confirmation name Be prepared to commit to Monday evenings through March 31, 2018.
What is a Sponsor The Role of the Sponsor in RCIA Through the process of RCIA, sponsors play a critical role in encouraging and mentoring those coming into full communion with the Church. The sponsor is both a spiritual companion to the candidate as well as a witness to the worshiping community during this journey of faith. To some, the sponsor's role has been viewed as merely symbolic, perhaps a way to honor a favorite relative or friend. However, in choosing a sponsor, it is best to remember that their role in the RCIA process is very important both as a representative of the church and as a companion to the candidate.
Sponsor Continued Consider these guidelines in choosing a sponsor. A sponsor must be at least 16 years old. A sponsor must be a fully initiated Catholic (one who has been baptized, confirmed and one who celebrates the Sacrament of the Eucharist on a regular basis). A sponsor must not be bound by any Church penalties. Confirmation is a communal sacrament, and, therefore, it is best if the sponsor be a member of the parish. If the sponsor is not a member of the parish, it is highly recommend that they live fairly close to the candidate to ensure consistent involvement throughout the confirmation process.
Sponsor Continued A sponsor must have a positive and comfortable relationship with the candidate. A sponsor must demonstrate a willingness and capacity to engage in the confirmation process (including retreats and service projects) as a means of enhancing her or his own growth as a Christian adult.
What is a Confirmation Name A confirmation name (usually a saint's name) is your personal choice of someone you admire in the faith. It's purpose is to remind you to be steadfast in faith as they were. When researching your choice you will find many examples that may inspire you. If you are a lover of nature it may be someone like St. Francis of Assisi, If rationalizing the faith is important to you perhaps St. Augustine or St. Thomas Aquinas, spirituality St Ignatius maybe. The bottom line is that by researching the lives of Saints you will learn much about how "spirit filled" Christians have lived out their faith in history.
Required Materials Catechism of the Catholic Church CCC: "Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition" is required for all Catechumens and Candidates and highly recommended for all others participating in RCIA. It may be purchased through Amazon.com. Book Description ISBN-10: 1574551094 ISBN-13: 978-1574551099 Publication Date: April 16, 2000 Edition: 2 nd Revised & enlarged. It may also be purchased through USCCB Publishing (http:// www.usccbpublishing.org/productdetails.cfm?sku=5-110) $24.95 New American Bible: is required for all Catechumens and Candidates and highly recommended for all others participating in RCIA.. Recommended bible for purchase is: "The Catholic Bible, Personal Study Edition: New American Bible" [Paperback], ISBN: 0-19-528405-4, Amazon.com,.
Optional Materials Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger and Pope Benedict XVI (Oct 20, 2005) This 200-page volume offers a clear synopsis of the essential contents of the faith as promulgated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church in 598 questions and answers. Like the 1992 Catechism, the Compendium has a four-part structure and includes a section on common prayers and Catholic doctrinal formulas.
What if I have been Divorced? If you are divorced and not currently in a relationship, there is no impediment to your reception of the Sacraments. If you are divorced and now remarried there may be issues to be resolved before proceeding These issues may be discussed with Fr. Johnson during an interview so a resolve can be reached prior to reception of sacraments.
Lets Move Onto the Process