BECOMING CATHOLIC...

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THE RCIA PROCESS

AT OUR LADY OF

GOOD HOPE

FAITH COMMUNITY



WHAT IS RCIA?

  The Rite of Christian
Initiation of Adults is the
Faith Journey by which
people become members of
the Catholic Church. This
process is for individuals who have never been baptized, for those who have been baptized in another Christian faith and seek to become Catholic, and for those who have been baptized Catholic, but have never received 1st Communion and Confirmation




WHAT STEPS
DO I TAKE
ALONG THE
JOURNEY?

PRECATECHUMENATE
(INQUIRY)


  During this time, individuals
meet weekly in an informal setting
to ask questions about the beliefs
and practices of the Catholic
Church. This is a get acquainted
period--a time to get your
questions ansewered.

PURIFICATION AND
ENLIGHTENMENT
(PRAYER)

  This stage usually corresponds
with the season of Lent and
involves six weeks of intense
prayer and reflection, with full
initiation into the Church taking
place on Holy Saturday evening
through the reception of the
Sacraments of Baptism (for those
not already baptized),
Confirmation, and Eucharist.

CATECHUMENATE
(FORMATION)

  This is a time for formation in the way of living as a Catholic. It is a time to learn about Catholic beliefs, a time to experience various forms of Catholic prayer and worship, and a time to attend parish functions and sample parish life.

MYSTAGOGY
(LIVING THE MYSTERY)

  This is a time for the new Catholics to be more fully integrated into the ongoing life and activities of our faith community. This period is a reminder that spiritual growth is not completed with the celebration of the sacraments of initiation, but is a lifelong task.

HOW LONG
DOES THE
JOURNEY
TAKE?

  The RCIA process is tailored to individual needs and circumstances, so that time will vary for each individual.

DO I MAKE
THE JOURNEY
ALONE?

  No, all members of the parish community journey with you, welcoming you and supporting you as you participate in the life of the parish. In addition, you will be matched with a sponser who will support you throughout this faith journey. Your sponser will help you to search and question, will pray with you for God's love and guidance, and will attend various parish liturgies and functions with you to assist you in taking an active part in parish life.
 

WHAT CAN I
EXPECT
ALONG THE
WAY?

To Grow in your relationship with God.

To develope a sense of belonging to a faith community.

To be more informed about the beliefs and practices of the Catholic Church.


For more information
contact
the Parish Office
OLGH PARISH Home Page