An Invitation to Journey with our
Faith Community in the
Rite of Christian
Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
In September, RCIA begins its weekly discussion
sessions on Sunday mornings from 9:00 am to 10:00 am, for adults
interested in learning more about the Catholic faith and traditions.
The program is a wonderful and supportive opportunity for individuals who have different levels of interest:
- for those who are “merely exploring” the possibility of becoming a member of the Catholic Church
- for those who have decided to become a member of our faith community
- for those who have a Catholic spouse or fiancé and wish to learn more about their religion
2007-2008 Schedule
| September 23 |
Introduction - Journey of Faith |
| September 30 |
Who is God - What Catholics Believe |
| October 7 |
No RCIA - Columbus Day Weekend |
| October 14 |
The Bible - How Catholics Interpret It |
| October 21 |
The Mass - Prayers and Practices |
| October 28 |
Church Tour / Symbols |
| November 4 |
Church Structure and History |
| November 11 |
Mary |
| November 18 |
The Saints |
| November 25 |
Thanksgiving / No RCIA |
| December 2 |
The Liturgical Year |
| December 9 |
Catholics and Prayer |
| December 16 |
Review |
| January 13 |
Morality |
| January 20 |
Consistent Ethic of Life |
| January 27 |
Social Justice |
| February 3 |
The Sacrament of Baptism and Confirmation |
| February 10 |
Rite of Election - Holy Name Cathedral
(February 10th or 3rd - To Be Decided) |
| February 17 |
No RCIA - Presidents' Day Weekend |
| February 24 |
The Sacraments of Eucharist |
| March 2 |
The Sacraments of Holy Orderts and Matrimony |
| March 9 |
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick |
| March 16 |
The Sacrament of Reconciliation |
| TBD |
Retreat - Shell Center / Northwestern University |
| March 22 |
Easter Vigil |
| April 6 |
Conversion - a Life-long Process |
| April 13 |
The Mission of the Laity |
| April 20 |
Family Faith Life |
| April 27 |
What now? |
RCIA provides a relaxed, welcoming, no-pressure setting for adults to address questions and
learn about our Catholic faith, theology, rituals and practices.
Who can YOU encourage to “come and see”?
Contact Pam Coster at 847-446-7646, x 455 or pcoster@faithhope.org.
The RCIA Journey to the Easter Vigil and Beyond
 The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process by which adults
are initiated into the Roman Catholic community. Carefully planned stages, marked by liturgical rites in
the presence of the whole community, help candidates join us in a continuing and deepening conversion
into faith and discipleship.
Instituted at Vatican II, the RCIA is modeled on the “catechumenate” of the ancient Church. Becoming Christian in the early days of the Church involved a sharp break with the surrounding culture. The Church revived the catechumenate because believers in the modern world need the same careful preparation and caring support as they seek to live as Christians in a world which is often hostile to Christian ideals.
The RCIA is the first step on a lifelong journey of intellectual, emotional and spiritual conversion.
The Four Stages of RCIA:
- Inquiry - Seekers ask questions about Christianity and receive truthful, lifesharing
answers from Catholic Christians.
- Catechumenate - Catechumenate means “time of serious study”. Catechumens (those who have not been baptized) and candidates (baptized Christians) join us at Sunday Mass and continue their study of the faith and reflection on Scripture. Sponsors are chosen during this stage to act as spiritual companions.
- Period of Purification and Enlightenment - A time of final preparation for initiation, or acceptance into the Catholic Church.
- Mystagogia -The time after initiation/acceptance (normally between Easter and Pentecost). Mystagogia means “leading into the mysteries”. It is a time to process what has happened and further live into the mysteries of the faith.
At the Easter vigil, when light drives out darkness, joyful sounds fill the silence
and we proclaim and renew our resurrection hope, our candidates were
sealed with the oil of Confirmation and shared the Eucharist as full members of the Roman Catholic community. Amen! Hallelujah! Welcome!
More about RCIA...
 In the first chapter of John’s Gospel that is the invitation Jesus extends to Andrew. Not, follow me, or join up,
just come and see.
That is the invitation the Church extends to all of us through the RCIA. The Right of Christian Initiation of Adults is a process
through which new members enter the Church. It is also a
process through which the entire faith community accompanies them on their journey. We know that we are all called to continuous conversion throughout our lives and the RCIA offers us an opportunity to deepen our own faith life as we share the experience with others.
Recent statistics tell us that of the 150.000 persons who annually participate in the RCIA:
- 60% are already baptized Christians.
- 25% have never been baptized.
- 14% are already baptized Roman Catholics who have not completed their initiation with the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation.
Do you know anyone who has expressed
an interest in becoming Catholic ?
Anyone who would like to know more
before deciding ?
Would you like to serve as a sponsor,
catechist, or assistant ?
Over the past 17 years, the RCIA process at Faith Hope has welcomed people from various religions as well as those with no religious affiliation at all. Some were young adults who were engaged, or young couples starting a family. Others were long-time parishioners who had never gotten around to being confirmed. There were those who had been away from the Church. All found the RCIA team welcoming and supportive, and considered the journey one of spiritual and educational enrichment.
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