Are You Interested in Becoming Catholic?
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) was designed specifically for the initiation of the un-baptized person or those who are baptized yet un-catechized (no formal religious training). The process at SSJ begins with:
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A time to ask questions about the Catholic faith
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An introduction to gospel values and beginnings of Faith
Inquiry Sessions
For the month of October we will be meeting on October 9 and 16 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the School Library. If you are interested in becoming Catholic, please contact the Director of RCIA, Chris Ivancich at 714 962-3333 or civancich@ssj.org.
Overview of RCIA Program
Every effort is made to assure that new members feel at home and welcome. The parish community is continually renewed when new members join us. The enthusiasm of those seeking to become Catholic is contagious and we are always grateful for their witness as we journey together on the path that Jesus set before us. During the Catechumenate the unbaptized (Catechumen) and baptized uncatechized (Candidate) participate in Catechesis where various topics on Catholicism are studied as theres pertain to the scripture readings for that Sunday. The RCIA process at Sts. Simon and Jude Church is an on-going process which consists of four stages:
- Pre-Catechumenate (Inquiry)
Time Period: as long as needed – there is no set time for completion
Individuals learn about God and the basics of the Catholic faith. They will have experienced the first beginnings of conversion before taking the next step. - Catechumenate
Time period: 1 to 2 years or longer – there is no set time for completion
Catechumens grow in their relationship with God and their understanding of their faith. They become familiar with Catholic prayers and practices as well as with the Mass. They participate in the celebration of the Liturgy of the Word at Mass, followed by Dismissal and catechetical sessions. - Purification & Enlightenment
Time period: 40 days of Lent, following the Rite of Election by the Bishop.
The Elect prepare to receive the sacraments of initiation—Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. This is an intensive time of personal preparation. There are also special rites that apply during this period such as penitential rites that involve prayers and blessings for the Elect at Mass. This time of preparation culminates with the celebration of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. - Mystagogy
Time period: 50 days of Easter and monthly thereafter until the following Easter Neophytes (or the newly baptized) are now able to fully explore what it means to be able to receive communion and fully participate in the sacraments of the Catholic Church. They also prepare for their first experience of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Baptized Catholics who have been baptized and have received Eucharist and need only the Sacrament of Confirmation should participate in the Adult Confirmation program.
Contact:
Chris Ivancich - Director of RCIA
(714) 962-3333, ext. 301
Email Link
