RCIA
“a journey of One”
One in Church...
One in Community...
One in Christ...
Sacred Heart Church
Palmerton, PA
thoughts...
“Until you have given up yourself to Him you will not have a real self…but look for Christ
and you will find Him, and with Him everything else thrown in…”
C.S. Lewis
“We’re going to discover the North Pole.”
“Oh!” said Pooh again. “What is the North Pole?” he asked.
“It’s just a thing you discover,” said Christopher Robin carelessly, not being quite sure
himself.
“Oh! I see,” said Pooh. “Are bears any good at discovering it?”
“Of course they are. And Rabbit and Kanga and all of you. It’s an Expedition. That’s what
an Expedition means. A long line of everybody.”
A.A. Milne
“Faith is the touching of a mystery.”
Russian Orthodox Priest
introduction...
The RCIA of Sacred Heart Church is a process built on a
legacy of people, practices and history. History not only of
Sacred Heart and Palmerton, but the deep rooted history of
our Catholic faith and the doctrines as set forth by the
Church.
It is with this history in mind, that the work continues.
The work of bringing knowledge, understanding and
guidance to those who seek to become a part of this parish
and more importantly a part of this faith we call Catholicism.
This then is a beginning of sorts. A beginning for those
who seek answers. A beginning for those who seek direction.
A beginning for those seeking community. A beginning which
truly has no end.
Sacred Heart Church
RCIA Contacts / Directory...
 Father Ward : Spiritual Director
Sacred Heart Church, Palmerton , PA
 Deacon Bill Pitts : Advisor / Facilitator
 Irene Pitts : Content Advisor
 Kathleen Merkle : Director of Religious Education
 Rick Heller : Coordinator of RCIA Program/Facilitator
 Susan Mullane : Coordinator of Mentors/Sponsors
 Stephanie Heller : Coordinator of Hospitality & Social Affairs
a beginning...
A beginning, always starts with many questions.
Therefore, lets begin with answers to the FAQ’s of the RCIA.
 What does “RCIA” stand for?
“The Right of Christian Initiation for Adults”
 What does it mean exactly?
“It is primarily a process by which adults become full-fledged
Catholics or simply learn more about the Catholic faith.”
 How long has RCIA been around?
“It is the method by which people came into the Church in the
first several centuries.”
a beginning…cont.
 What does the RCIA focus on?
“It focuses on the Christian initiation of adults through the
reception of the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and
Eucharist, ordinarily celebrated in a single liturgy during the
Easter Vigil.”
 What is the format of the RCIA?
“It is a gradual process which comprises four phases. Inquiry,
Catechumenate, Purification & Enlightenment, and Mystagogy.
 Does everybody go through the same process?
“No. The RCIA would be specific to the needs of each individual,
and its’ length and content would be determined during the
initial phase of Inquiry.”
a beginning…cont.
 Will I go through the RCIA by myself?
“No. You will be accompanied through the RCIA by a
mentor/sponsor. This person could be chosen by you, if they
are members of Sacred Heart, or someone will be provided to
assist you on your journey. In addition,the Church community
will be involved as well.”
 What will my mentor be responsible for?
“Their primary responsibility will be to bring your journey of faith
outside of the church. Through meetings and conversations
with the mentor outside of the class, you will share your
mutual thoughts on faith and the week’s topic. They will assist
with any questions you may have, and lend assistance to your
spiritual growth.”
a beginning…cont.
 How long does the process take?
“It is difficult to give a timeframe at the outset. One person’s time
frame is a little different from another’s. If you have not been
baptized, the process usually takes a year or more. If you
have already been baptized into another Christian faith
tradition, you may require less time, depending on the faith
formation you previously received and your present
involvement in the practice of your faith.”
a look at…RCIA
First Stage: Pre-Catechumenate
This stage is a time of inquiry, not of commitment
Second Stage: Catechumenate
This is a time of learning more about what the Church
teaches through exploring the Scriptures
Third Stage: Purification & Enlightenment
This is a time of retreat and reflection. It coincides
with Lent
Rite of Acceptance
& Welcoming
Sunday celebration of
Mass
Rite of Election
Enrollment of Names
First Sunday of Lent
Rites of Baptism, Confirmation
Fourth Stage: Mystagogy
This stage s a time of uncovering the meaning
of living as a Catholic. It lasts from Easter Sunday
to Pentecost
Eucharist
Easter Vigil
responsibilities for inquirers...
You come with your own life experience; your parents and
siblings, your education and work, and your present family
and relationships. You bring your own particular story__your
concerns, your hurts, your struggles, your hopes and
dreams. You may have had a strong relationship with God
for a long time, or you may be seeking such a relationship.
You may have had some connection with the Catholic
Church or other faith traditions. Whatever your background,
your own life experience is valued.
Keys to success…
Take time… Invest yourself…
Ask questions…
Meet people…
Explore Catholicism…
Trust the process…
inquirer duties...
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Attend sessions and engage in various parts of the process.
Let God’s timing be more important than the calendar.
Take part in the celebration of Mass.
Talk to other Catholics and your mentor/sponsor about the
essential elements of the Catholic Church.
Spend time getting acquainted with your mentor/sponsor.
Meet the pastoral ministers.
Take part in a parish function with a Catholic.
Invite your spouse, fiancée, or friend to take part in the
sessions with you.
Continue to write in your journal and read the Bible.
Let yourself experience the journey.
responsibilities for mentors/sponsors...
In the Catholic Church, accompanying someone on their
journey of initiation is like the birthing of a child. As they
learn what it means to be Catholic and discover the rich
tradition of our Church, they awaken to a new way of living
life. Your role is to be a companion; your task is to walk with
them, guiding them through the process of the Church
toward full initiation.
In the past many people who have served as mentors have
discovered this ministry to be a very powerful experience of
faith and of the Church as community. May your experience
as a mentor be rewarding and a renewal of your faith!
Keys to success…
Offer a Welcoming Spirit...
Share Catholic Traditions…
Listen… Share Life and Share Faith… Introduce Ministry…
Offer friendship…
Witness...
mentor duties...
 Attend sessions (voluntary) with your catechumen or
candidate.
 Meet or talk weekly with your catechumen or candidate to
review handouts, faith share, and answer questions.
 Invite them to attend and sit with you at Mass.
 Share the traditional prayers of the Church.
 Invite your catechumen or candidate to parish activities.
 Share your experience with the parish community through
the bulletin.
 Assist in preparing your catechumen or candidate for the
rites.
 Participate in the rites and be prepared for witness.
 Periodically ask your catechumen or candidate how they feel
they are progressing.
the next step...
Enrollment / Informational Record
Initial Interview
Orientation and Placement within the RCIA
Program
RCIA Program
Mid Term Interview
RCIA Program
Concluding Interview
Program Evaluation
the process...
The RCIA Process of Sacred Heart Church is designed to
provide everyone with a foundation of the Catholic faith to
enable the reception of the sacraments and full membership
into the Church. The process has been tailored to meet the
needs of each individual. In short, the extent of the process
will be more for some and less for others. This will be
determined upon the conclusion of the initial interview
process.
The building blocks of this process, and the keys to
placement within the RCIA will be the knowledge and
understanding surrounding the four fundamental parts or
“pillars” of Christian Life and their underlying Catholic
doctrines.
the process…cont.
These four pillars are the very heart of Christianity and are to be
found at the origin of the Catholic faith.
They are :
“ Profession of Faith”… Creed (Cr)
“Celebration of the Christian Mystery” … Sacraments (Sa)
“Life in Christ” … Catholic morality and commandments (Cm)
“Christian Prayer and Life” … Our Father (Cp)
process schedule...
The RCIA Process schedule will be based on participation of individuals
(not baptized), seeking full membership into the Catholic Church
through the receipt of the Sacraments of Initiation and will be
celebrated at the Easter Vigil.
First Stage : Pre-Catechumenate (Inquiry)
Session 1 : Journey of Faith (Intro.) (Cr)
Session 6 : Catholic Practices & Church (Cm)
Session 2 : God & Meaning of Mass (Cr)
Session 3 : The Bible & Catholic Interpretation (Cr)
Session 4 : The Saints and Mary (Cr)
Session 5 : The Catholic Church (Cr)
(History * Places * Who’s Who)
Rite of Acceptance
& Welcoming
Sunday celebration of
Mass
process schedule…cont.
Second Stage : Catechumenate
Session 7 : Celebrating Paschal Mystery / Sacraments (Sa)
Session 8 : Sacraments of Initiation (Sa)
Session 9 : Eucharist (Sa)
Schedule Interviews
Session 16 : Lent & the Truth of Jesus (Cm)
Session 10 : Sacraments of Healing (Sa)
Session 11 : Sacraments of Vocation (Sa)
Session 12 : Early Church & History (Cr)
Session 13 : Jesus and the People of God (Cm)
Rite of Election
Enrollment of Names
First Sunday of Lent
Celebrated at the Cathedral
Session 14 : Foundations of Catholic Morality (Cm)
Session 15 : Catholic Teaching on Social Justice & Ethics of Life (Cm)
process schedule…cont.
Third Stage : Purification & Enlightenment
Session 17 : Lent * The Nicene Creed & The Way of the Cross (Cm & Cp)
Session 18 : The Commandments (Love of God) (Cm)
Session 19 : The Commandments (Love of Neighbor) (Cm)
Session 20 : Meaning of Holy Week & Confession (Cm)
Session 21 : Review and Questions ??
Rites of Baptism, Confirmation
Penance Service :
Holy Thursday Liturgy :
Good Friday Liturgy :
Eucharist
Easter Vigil
process schedule…cont.
Fourth Stage : Mystagogy
Session 22 : Conversion : A Lifelong Process & The Laity (Cm)
Session 23 : Your Special Gifts & Family Life (Cm & Cp)
Session 24 : Christian Prayer * Discernment * The Lord’s Prayer (Cp)
Session 25 : Holiness & Evangelization (Cp)
Session 26 : Reflection and Review and Relax….
Schedule Interviews &
Collect Evaluations
Continue the journey…and keep asking the
questions...????
process evaluation...
 The success of the RCIA depends on the personal growth and
formation of the individuals as well as that of the church
community. Therefore, constant feedback from the inquirers,
mentors, facilitators and advisors is extremely vital to this
success.
 Interviews with participants will be conducted during the
RCIA Process to evaluate and determine if changes or
modifications need to be made.
 Participant questionnaire will be completed to determine
RCIA Process success/impact.
 Evaluation meetings will be conducted between RCIA
Coordinator and Mentors/Sponsors and reported to the CRE
and the Spiritual Director
resources...
RCIA Primary Resources
Book : “This is our Faith” by Michael Pennock
Book : “Holy Bible, New American Bible”, Catholic Bible Press
Handouts : “Journey of Faith”
RCIA Study / Research Resources
Book : “Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults”, National
Conference of Catholic Bishops
Book : “Catechism of the Catholic Church”
Book : “One at the Table”, Ronald Oakham
Book : “The New World of Faith”, Avery Dulles, S.J.
Magazine : “Catechist”
resources…cont
RCIA Study / Research Resources…cont.
Book : “General Directory for Catechesis”, Libreria Editrice
Vaticana
Pamphlets : “Foundations in Faith”, RCL*Resources for
Christian Living
Handbook : “What you should know about the RCIA”,
Charlene Altemose, MSC
Additional Materials Needed
-Journal/Notebooks for Mentors and Inquirers
additional suggested reading...
 “Why do Catholics Do that?”, Kevin Orlin Johnson, Ph.D.
 “Mere Christianity”, C. S. Lewis
 “People of God” (History of Catholic Christianity), Anthony Giles
 “Nearer My God”, William F. Buckley Jr.
concluding thought...
“Faith is such a simple thing.
It can’t talk, but only sing.
It can’t reason, but can dance.
Take a chance. Take a chance.
Life is full of ways to go. Sun, rain, wind, snow.
All unknowingly we trace,
a geography of grace.
From breath to breath and blink to blink,
it’s never quite the way we think.”
Protestant minister and composer