Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) will begin sessions on Monday, Sept. 12 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. 13 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 12, 2022Introduction to RCIA by Cathy Rauch
September 19, 2022Prayer by Janet Schilling
September 26, 2022Tour of the Basilica
October 3, 2022Introduction to Scripture and Tradition in the Church by Fr. Mike
October 10, 2022Audio Recording – The Old Testament by Matt Lupardus
Presentation Slides – The Old Testament
October 17, 2022The Person of Jesus by David Mitchell
October 24, 2022The New Testament by Fr. Edward
Last Year’s Talk: The New Testament by Matt Lupardus
October 31, 2022Trinity & Faith by Fr. Mike
November 7, 2022The Mass – Liturgy of the Word and Liturgy
of the Eucharist by Fr. Mike & Cathy Rauch
November 14, 2022History and Development of the Church by Fr. Bob Gallagher
November 21, 2022Advent and the Life of Grace by Matt Lupardus
November 27, 2022Rite of Acceptance (Sunday 10:00 am Mass)
November 28, 2022Mary and the Saints by Janet Schilling
December 5, 2022Introduction to the Sacraments; Baptism by David Mitchell
December 12, 2022Potluck and Prayer @ 6 pm – Bringing Christ into Christmas
December 19, 2022No Class
December 26, 2022No Class
January 2, 2023Confirmation & Prayer II by Deb Coty
January 9, 2023Vocations (Part 1): Priesthood, Diaconate, and Marriage by Fr. Mike, Deacon Lee, Ken & Janet Schilling
January 16, 2023Vocations (Part 2): Non-Sacramental Vocations and States of Life – Single & Religious Life by Deb Coty
January 23, 2023The Sacrament of Healing by Fr. Dale Tornes
January 30, 2023Christian Living/Morality (Part 1) by Fr. Mark Moore
February 6, 2023Christian Living/Morality (Part 2) by RCIA Team
February 13, 2023The Season of Lent by Janet Schilling & Deacon Lee
February 20, 2023The Sacrament of the Eucharist (Part 1) by Fr. Mike
February 22, 2023Ash Wednesday
February 27, 2023The Eucharist (Part 2) by Fr. Edward
March 4, 2023Rite of Sending (Saturday 5:30 pm Mass)
March 5, 2023Rite of Election (Sunday 1:30 pm at Basilica)
March 6, 2023Sacrament of Reconciliation by Cathy Rauch
March 12, 2023First Scrutiny (Sunday 8:00 am Mass)
March 13, 2023Penance Service
March 19, 2023Second Scrutiny (Sunday 10:00 am Mass)
March 20, 2023Angels and Demons by Fr. Tom
March 26, 2023Third Scrutiny (Sunday 12:00 pm Mass)
March 27, 2023Easter Season & Practices by Deb Coty
April 3, 2023The Passion Movie @ 6 pm
April 8, 2023Easter Vigil – Practice at 8:00 am & Evening Vigil TBA
April 9, 2023Easter
April 10, 2023No Class
April 17, 2023New Life in the Fullness of Christ by Matt Lupardus & David Mitchell
April 24, 2023Death, Judgement, Heaven & Hell by Fr. Mike
May 1, 2023Potluck & Final Gathering @ 6 pm