RCIA
(Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)
The Sacraments of Christian initiation - Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist - lay the foundations of every Christian life. "The sharing in the divine nature given to men (and women) through the grace of Christ bears a certain likeness to the origin, development, and nourishing of natural life. The faithful are born anew by Baptism, strengthened by the Sacrament of Confirmation, and receive in the Eucharist the food of eternal life. By means of these Sacraments of Christian initiation, they thus receive in increasing measure the treasures of the divine life and advance toward the perfection of charity." (CCC, 1212)  Initiation of Children 7 years and older:
Unbaptized children who are seven years of age or older are considered "adults" and receive all three Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) at the Easter Vigil. They are either enrolled in a Catholic school or Faith Formation program and receive additional instruction throughout the school year to prepare them for these sacraments.
This process, also called Children's Catechumenate, is for children from 7 years to 18 years of age who have not been baptized or have been baptized in another Christian denomination. These children may not have been catechized, nor have they received the sacraments of Confirmation or Eucharist. The process begins with a family interview where the family is asked to express their desire to enter more fully into the Catholic community by attending Sunday Mass and participate in the RCIA process. The final decision to join the church is up to the individual family and child.l
Initiation of Adults: The RCIA instructs and assists those adults who wish to journey toward initiation or full communion with the Catholic Church. Who does this include?
1.An unbaptized adult. The primary focus of the Rite of Christian Initiation is on those who are not already Christian and have not been catechized. They are referred to as catechumens. They attend Sunday Mass and a catechectical session weekly and are baptized at the Easter Vigil.
Read about the Rite of Accepting the Unbaptized.
2.Baptized but uncatechized. Adults who have been baptized either as Roman Catholic or as a member of another Christian community but did NOT receive further catechetical formation or instruction are called candidates. Their initiation will include receiving the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist, usually at the Easter Vigil. Read about Rite of Welcoming the Baptized. 3.Those seeking full Communion with the Catholic Church. These are adults who are baptized, practicing Christians from other faith traditions who seek entry in the Catholic Church and wish to complete their initiation by receiving the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. They are also referred to as candidates. These candidates complete their initation anytime during the year (except during Lent), they do not have to wait until the Easter Vigil. Catechumensare received into the Church at the Easter Vigil - they receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. Candidates are brought into full communion throughout the year at a daily or Sunday Mass (exluding during the season of Lent). At St. Mark we have an ongoing process for welcoming inquirers. That means that we meet with you whenever you call or inquire throughout the year.
The initiation rite is based on the principle that the process of conversion proceeds gradually and in stages. Progress from one stage to the next is marked by a liturgical celebration in the midst of the parish community. The experience and needs of each person differs, and so the length of time may vary for each person.
Welcome to the newest members of our Catholic Family who were initiated at the Easter Vigil on April 3, 2010:
Erin Covey
Andrew Funk
Julie McCracken
Jennifer Nielsen
Amy Saylor
Daryl Sharma
Ryan Tacazon
Mimi Etherington
Ellen Kilgo
Nathan Rider
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