Becoming Catholic...
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)
For information about becoming Catholic or receiving the Sacraments of Confirmation or Eucharist as a Catholic adult, contact Deacon Tim Kilbarger at 720-530-6602 or tjjoeww@msn.com.
This is the New Evangelization ...
meeting people where they are, speaking to them in their own language, and drawing them into the mystery of Christ by the revelation of the unending love and mercy of God the Father. Every year hundreds of people from every walk of life imaginable come to the parishes of the Archdiocese of Denver seeking a relationship with Christ and his Church through the process of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). After a period of inquiry, catechesis, and intense preparation through Lent, these people receive the awesome outpouring of grace at the most solemn Liturgy of the Church, the Easter Vigil. There they are born into the Catholic Church through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist.
There are two main components to the RCIA Program at St. Mary Parish.
The first component is the Catechetical Classes which teach various aspects of Catholic theology and doctrine. These classes give you the opportunity to clarify your understanding of Catholic beliefs. Each class includes presentations, discussion, and question/answer time. Classes are held every other Tuesday at 7pm in Marian Hall starting in September.
The second component of the RCIA program is called Breaking Open of the Word. This gathering takes place during the second half of the 9:00am Mass each Sunday beginning in September. Following the Liturgy of the Word and before the Liturgy of the Eucharist, RCIA members are “dismissed” from Mass to go downstairs and reflect more deeply on the Scripture readings of that day. This is a time for you to explore, in a more personal way, how the Catholic faith fits into your own spiritual life and how God is calling you to grow in relationship to Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Please call the Parish Office to register. Leave your name and mailing address to receive a brochure and registration form.
What is the Process of Christian initiation?
Taken from the "Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults", the following explains the stages of Christian Initiation:
- The Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate
- This is a time, of no fixed duration or structure, for inquiry and introduction to the message of the Gospel. It is an opportunity for the beginnings of faith.
First Step:
- The Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens
- This is the liturgical rite marking the beginning of the catechumenate proper, as the candidates express, and the Church accepts, their intention to respond to God's call to follow the way of Christ.
- The Period of the Catechumenate
- This is the time for the nurturing and growth of the catechumens' faith and conversion to God; celebrations of the word and prayers of exorcism and blessing are meant to assist the process. The duration corresponds to the progress of the individual.
Second Step:
- The Rite of Election or Enrollment of Names
- This is the liturgical rite, usually celebrated on the First Sunday of Lent, by which the Church formally ratifies the catechumens' readiness for the sacraments of initiation. The catechumens, now the elect, express the will to receive these sacraments.
- The Period of Purification and Enlightenment
- This is the time immediately preceding the elects' initiation. It is usually the Lenten season preceding the celebration of this initiation at the Easter Vigil. It is a time of reflection, intensely centered on conversion, marked by celebration of the scrutinies and presentations and of the preparation rites on Holy Saturday.
Third Step:
- The Rite of the Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation
- This is the liturgical rite, usually integrated into the Easter Vigil, by which the elect are initiated through baptism, confirmation, and the eucharist.
- The Period of Postbaptismal Catechesis or Mystagogy
- This is the time, usually the Easter season, following the celebration of initiation, during which the newly initiated experience being fully a part of the Christian community by means of pertinent catechesis and particularly by participation with all the faithful in the Sunday Eucharistic celebration.
