RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA)

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND:
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process through which adults interested in the Roman Catholic faith are introduced to the history, foundation beliefs, liturgy, traditions, and customs of the church. The goal is to increase the awareness of God's presence in people's lives and help them discern their readiness to embrace a path of faith within the Roman Catholic Church.

"The RCIA process was introduced as a result of the second Vatican council, where a return to the ancient practice of Christian initiation was viewed as the proper form for the modern world. Prior to Vatican II, Christian initiation had evolved from the ancient practice in the form of individual private instruction with a priest. Although the ancient private process has its merits, the council wanted to reintroduce the community aspect of the initiation process, as well as the liturgical journey, much like the larger journey of faith within the Catholic Christian tradition.

...seeking out the Church through the RCIA comes about in a variety of ways. The first step for some is a sense that 'something is missing'---a sense, perhaps provoked by some crisis, that there is more to life than what they now have or a better way to live than how they now live. For many others, the journey begins because of a relationship with a Catholic---a close friend or a potential spouse. Still others are drawn by seeing the example of a Catholic life well lived. Whatever the reason for the awakening and decision to seek, the RCIA process is the first step on a lifelong journey of intellectual, emotional and spiritual conversion." http://www.stjudeglasgow.org.uk/html/rcia.html 

WHO WE ARE/WHAT WE DO:
MISSION: To instruct interested persons in the fundamentals of the Catholic faith, and incorporate them into parish worship and sacramental life.

MEETINGS:
Classes are held each year, beginning in September and ending a few weeks after Easter Vigil, for those persons interested in learning more about Catholic practices and teachings, with an eye toward joining the Church. As the seven month program progresses, class attendees become more discerning and decisive about embracing the Catholic faith. However, there is never any obligation or pressure to join the faith. Others within the Catholic Community interested in attending classes to expand or refresh their knowledge of the church are always welcome.

Classes at Our Lady of Peace meet Thursday evenings from 7:00 to approximately 8:30 in the Gathering Space. Advent to Easter participants also attend 10:00 Mass being dismissed after the homily for discussion of that day's scripture reading.

Being both a faith journey and a developmental process, it is important to attend classes from the beginning and not start mid-way. Catholic spouses or close friends are welcome, but not required to attend.

ACTIVITIES:
During the class year participants have opportunities to be introduced to members of the parish community, and to gain perspective into service projects within the parish and the greater Catholic community.

CLASS DOCUMENTS AND HANDOUTS:

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
The instructors, called catechists, teach and assist in the formation of individuals interested in learning more about the Catholic Church with an eye toward joining the Church. Instructors come from within the OLP Parish, and the Central Ohio Catholic Community.

Team Members contribute to presentations and discussions, and take a leadership role Advent to Easter for Breaking Open the Word (scripture discussions) at the 10:00 Mass.

Baptized Parishioners are sometimes needed to sponsor an individual through the RCIA process. Candidates for Confirmation need the spiritual help of a sponsor.

Call the Parish Office for more information or to register for the next RCIA session. 614-263-8824

 Members of the RCIA Team pictured above left to right: Sister Barbara Kolesar,
Deacon Jeffrey Fortkamp, Janet Pfeiffer, Marilyn Veracka, Helen Ortlieb,and
Catherine Lewis. Not pictured are Fr. Kevin Kavanagh, and Davina Alloway.

RCIA CONTACTS: