RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) will begin sessions on Monday, Sept. 11 from 7:00 – 9:00 pm in the social hall. These sessions are to help adults/teens who are wanting to learn more about the Catholic Faith and potentially join the Catholic Church. They are informative, informal gatherings of people to learn about the traditions of the Catholic Church. Please share this with someone you might know who is interested in our faith. Invite them to come to hear about it. There is no pressure, just discussions, and talks about what we as Catholics practice and believe. It is a great way to learn the truth and dispel the misunderstandings of our faith and practices. Please call the rectory at 740-373-3643 if you have questions about the process.
RCIA sponsors: There is a need for Catholics, members of our church, who would like to attend RCIA and help to sponsor a person going through this journey of faith. If you are interested, please come to the sessions starting Sept. 11 or contact Cathy Rauch at 740-896-2901.
RCIA is the process by which adults and teenagers become members of the Catholic Church. RCIA is for people of all walks of life: people raised in other faiths; people who were baptized Catholic but were not raised Catholic; people with no religious background at all. The RCIA is designed to meet you where you are, and to walk with you on your journey of faith.
RCIA is a journey of faith. It is a time to learn about God, and your relationship with God. It is a time to learn about the beliefs and practices of the Catholic Church, and to meet supportive and loving members of St. Mary Parish. It is a time for personal growth and deepening of faith.
RCIA meetings take place every Monday night from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, from September through May.
Should you decide to join the Catholic Church, you will be brought into full membership during the celebration of the Easter Vigil, which takes place the evening before Easter Sunday. The Easter Vigil is an amazing celebration of the Catholic faith; no one comes away from it without being touched by God’s grace. At the Vigil you will receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism*, Confirmation*, and Holy Communion), making you a full member of the Catholic Church.
(*The Catholic Church does not repeat these sacraments if they are performed according to the form recognized by the Catholic Church.)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Am I there alone?
Never – you will have a sponsor, usually a spouse, family member or friend. But, the parish has many volunteers who will sponsor you, and will be at your side each week and at every ceremony.
May I simply attend to learn about the Catholic faith, or do I have to commit to becoming Catholic? Certainly, you may simply attend and learn. There is no pressure to make a decision until the evening of the Easter Vigil. You will know when the decision is right for you.
Isn’t September to Easter a long time? RCIA participants are always amazed how fast the time goes. You will be part of a very close group. Many life-long friendships are formed in RCIA.
What actually goes on during our Monday night meetings? After a brief prayer, a RCIA team member will present a topic of our faith. This is followed by refreshments provided by parish members. The second part of the evening usually includes discussion and time for questions and answers. We always end with a prayer.
How can I get more information or sign up? Contact Cathy Rauch, the Director of our RCIA Program, at 896-2901.
RESOURCES
Audio Files: Recent RCIA presentations are archived for participants who missed the sessions, and for anyone else interested.
(Be patient! Audio files can be large; it may take several minutes.)
| September 11, 2023 | Introduction to RCIA by Cathy Rauch |
| September 18, 2023 | Tour of the Basilica by Fr. Mike |
| September 25, 2023 | Prayer by Janet Schilling |
| October 2, 2023 | Introduction to Scripture and Tradition in the Church by Fr. Mike |
| October 9, 2023 | The Old Testament by Fr. Edward |
| October 16, 2023 | The Person of Jesus by Fr. Edward |
| October 23, 2023 | The New Testament by Matt Lupardus |
| October 30, 2023 | Trinity & Faith by Fr. Mike |
| November 6, 2023 | The Mass – Liturgy of the Word and Liturgy of the Eucharist by Fr. Edward & Cathy Rauch |
| November 13, 2023 | History and Development of the Church by Fr. Mike |
| November 20, 2023 | Advent and the Life of Grace by Matt Lupardus |
| November 26, 2023 | Rite of Acceptance (Sunday 10:00 am Mass) Dismissals begin on Sundays |
| November 27, 2023 | Mary and the Saints by Janet Schilling |
| December 4, 2023 | Introduction to the Sacraments; Baptism by Cathy Rauch |
| December 11, 2023 | Confirmation & Prayer II by Fr. Edward |
| December 18, 2023 | Potluck and Prayer @ 6 pm – Bringing Christ into Christmas |
| December 25, 2023 | No Class |
| January 1, 2024 | No Class |
| January 8, 2024 | Vocations (Part 1): Priesthood, Diaconate, and Marriage by Fr. Mike, Deacon Lee, Ken & Janet Schilling |
| January 15, 2024 | Vocations (Part 2): Non-Sacramental Vocations and States of Life – Single & Religious Life |
| January 22, 2024 | The Sacrament of Healing by Fr. Edward |
| January 29, 2024 | Christian Living/Morality (Part 1) by Fr. Mark Moore |
| February 5, 2024 | Christian Living/Morality (Part 2) by RCIA Team |
| February 12, 2024 | The Season of Lent by Janet Schilling & Deacon Lee |
| February 14, 2024 | Ash Wednesday |
| February 19, 2024 | The Sacrament of the Eucharist (Part 1) by Fr. Mike |
| February 24, 2024 | Rite of Sending (Saturday 5:30 pm Mass) |
| February 25, 2024 | Rite of Election (Sunday 1:30 pm at Basilica) |
| February 26, 2024 | The Eucharist (Part 2) by Cathy Rauch |
| March 3, 2024 | First Scrutiny (Sunday 8:00 am Mass) |
| March 4, 2024 | Sacrament of Reconciliation by Cathy Rauch |
| March 10, 2024 | Second Scrutiny (Sunday 10:00 am Mass) |
| March 11, 2024 | Penance Service |
| March 17, 2024 | Third Scrutiny (Sunday 12:00 pm Mass) |
| March 18, 2024 | Easter Season & Practices by Fr. Edward |
| March 25, 2024 | The Passion Movie @ 6 pm |
| March 30, 2024 | Easter Vigil – Practice at 8:00 am & Evening Vigil TBA |
| March 31, 2024 | Easter |
| April 1, 2024 | No Class |
| April 8, 2024 | New Life in the Fullness of Christ by Matt Lupardus |
| April 15, 2024 | Death, Judgement, Heaven & Hell by Fr. Mike |
| April 22, 2024 | Angels and Demons by Fr. Tom |
| April 29, 2024 | Potluck & Final Gathering @ 6 pm |