RCIA

Contact: Nina Rizzo
303-3118

Contact Us

Ministry Description:

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process to prepare people to be received into full communion with the Catholic Church. The RCIA begins a journey of faith that provides the opportunity to grow in a deeper relationship with God in the company of the whole community of faith. There are four periods in the RCIA each marked by distinct liturgical rites that help adults prepare to enter the Catholic faith.

The St. Michael RCIA process starts in September and continues through to Easter with several sessions continuing until Pentecost. RCIA sessions are held each Sunday from 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM at the Trinity Center 2^nd floor Multipurpose Room. All participants are required to attend the 8:45 AM Mass.

Accompanying the participants in the process are Sponsors, who guide and support people exploring the Catholic faith. Sponsors are Catholics leading a life in harmony with the Catholic faith. In addition to Sponsors, the RCIA Ministry involves many parishioners to serve as faith sharers, catechists, and pray-ers. In essence, everyone in the community is responsible for ministering to the prospective converts by the witness of their lives and the openness of their attitudes. Participants in the RCIA process are individuals who are 18 years of age or older. They may be unbaptized (Catechumens) or already baptized in another faith (Candidates). Candidates and Catechumenates may be received into the Catholic Church at Easter Vigil.

What this ministry can do for you:

The RCIA will help you deepen your relationship with the Lord while leading to a better understanding of the Catholic faith and its practices. The RCIA will help you discern whether the Catholic faith is right for you by encouraging you to ask questions, share your stories, hear the gospel, learn about teachings of the Jesus and his Church, and reflect upon the place of Jesus in your lives. If you are interested in learning more about the Catholic faith, please contact Nina Rizzo by phone (303-3118) or email rcia@ministry.stmichaelcary.org or call the Pastoral Office (468-6108).

The RCIA ministry is in need of Catholics wishing to serve as Sponsors. For those interested in serving as a Sponsor, please contact Joan Junginger (303-9158) or email jjungin@bellsouth.net or contact the Pastoral Office (468-6108).

The RCIA ministry also needs volunteers to serve in a variety of roles to assist inquirers as they journey in faith. Often serving in the RCIA helps the volunteer to improve one's understanding of the Catholic faith and grow in relationship with God. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Nina Rizzo (303-3118) or email rcia@ministry.stmichaelcary.org or contact the Pastoral Office (468-6108).

Membership Profile:

Number in group:

The St. Michael RCIA process has approximately 50 participants each year seeking initiation into the Catholic Church.

Since each adult inquiring about the faith needs an adult to accompany them on this journey, we need 50 Sponsors as well.

With a group this large, many volunteers are needed to assist in the process.

Age Group:

18 years of age and older.

Restrictions:

Before you can formally begin the RCIA process, an Inquiry Form and a one-on-one interview with a member of the RCIA team must be completed. This interview will determine whether any potential restrictions may exist that need to be resolved before participation in the process can begin. To arrange an interview, please speak to Bill Burns (349-4518) or contact the Pastoral Office (468-6108) to obtain an Inquiry Information Packet.

Meetings:

RCIA sessions are held each Sunday from 10:00 - 11:30 AM in the St. Michael's Trinity Center 2^nd floor Multipurpose Room from September to seven weeks after Easter. All participants are required to attend the 8:45 am Mass and proceed to the Gallery thereafter.

In addition to the Sunday sessions, there will also be other days that are required. These include two Days of Prayer held on Saturday mornings, two-day on-site retreat in March, the Rite of Election in February or March, and the final rehearsal for Easter Vigil on Saturday morning. An RCIA calendar complete with the full year of sessions and special events will be given to you upon our first meeting.

Current Needs:

We are available throughout the year to answer questions about becoming Catholic.

We need sponsors and other volunteers to help guide those inquiring about the Catholic faith.

Special Events:

There are several rites during the year which are celebrated at St Michael or at diocesean level. These rites will be discussed during the weekly RCIA meetings.

2006-2007 Class Schedule (to be determined)