New to Faith?

Have you ever had questions about the Catholic faith but didn’t know where to find the answers?  We’d love to explore the possibilities with you.

“Come and See”

In the gospels, these three words, “Come and see,” are how Jesus responded to those who were curious about him or wanted to follow him.  These words are our invitation to those seeking answers or simply curious about the faith.    Jesus wanted more than to simply teach people a set of rules that they needed to obey.  He wanted to draw people into a relationship of love with the Father.  He knew that for this to be possible, people would need to freely seek him out and gradually come to know for themselves the mercy and saving love of living in unity with God.  In the Gospels we hear of how life-changing the encounter with Jesus was for people.  It brought freedom, healing and forgiveness in the lives of people and their experience of conversion gave them courage to respond to God and the world with love.   

 

What is the Rite of Christian Initiation? 

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is modeled on the initiation ritual of the early Christian Church. It is an experience of personal formation and spiritual growth which incorporates prayer, study, reflection, and discernment in a combination of public rituals and community preparations. It is the way unbaptized persons become Catholic.

FORMATION

Divine Mercy Parish offers year-round formation (in a variety of ways), which means your journey begins when you are ready. Participants attend Sunday Mass and regular and online and in-person formation sessions.

The periods of formation include:

  • Pre-Catechumenate: inquiry
  • Catechumenate: dedicated formation & discernment
  • Enlightenment: final preparation & discernment
  • Mystagogia: continuing formation & reflection

 

RITES

There is a series of sacred rites throughout the four phases leading to a solemn public celebration of the Sacrament of Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist. This celebration generally takes place at Easter Vigil Mass.

 

SPONSORS

A sponsor and prayer partner, as well as other members of the Catholic faith community, accompany you throughout your journey.

 

How Do People Join the Church?

Divine Mercy Parish welcomes individuals and families who are interested in joining our Catholic faith community.

Unbaptized Persons

Those who have never been baptized will follow the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).

Baptized Christians

Those who have been baptized in another Christian faith community and desire to follow Jesus in the full communion of the Catholic Church will receive appropriate formation and, if they choose to join the Church, will make a public profession of faith.

Baptized Catholics

Baptized adult Catholics who have not received the Sacrament of Confirmation will follow an individualized path.

What about Families with Children?  

Children ages 4 or younger are usually baptized without formal preparation.

Children ages 5 to 6 may be baptized after a short period of informal catechesis.

Children ages 7 or older participate in a period of formal catechesis before being baptized or making a profession of faith. This preparation involves a combination of at home (online) catechesis and Family Catechetical Sessions in the parish. Parents are big part of the preparation process and as a parish, we welcome and support the whole family in preparation for the baptism.

 

What’s the Next Step?

If you are interested in becoming Catholic, begin by talking about it with some one you know and trust.  Talk with someone who is an active Catholic.  Visit Catholic parishes in the area and attend Sunday Mass often.  Continue to pray for God’s guidance and grace and seek more information about the Catholic Church so that you can make an informed decision. 

We are happy to answer any questions or discuss concerns you may have about joining the Catholic Church.  If you would like to find out more about becoming Catholic and the RCIA process at Divine Mercy Parish, please contact our Adult Faith Formation Office:

Phone: 709-726-9924
Email: faith.divinemercynl@gmail.com
Web: www.divinemercynl.com

Or fill out the submission form below:

RCIA: A Journey of Faith

 

The RCIA – Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults – is a process of initiation into the Catholic Church for adults. The RCIA prepares adults to receive the sacraments of Christian initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist).  It includes prayer, an environment of adult learning and a number of different rites that are celebrated throughout the year.  While the formal RCIA process tends to end some time after the celebration of the Sacraments at Easter, the faith journey begun in the process continues where as a baptized Catholic, you will continue to be lifelong and joyful disciples of Jesus Christ.

What the Process Looks Like:

While every person coming to faith has a unique journey of faith and enters the believing community of the Church in their own way, the process of the RCIA can be divided up in the following way:

 
I.  Evangelization and Pre-Catechumenate Phase
 
 
This is a time to ask questions, of ourselves and of the Church. We are being introduced to Gospel values, and what it means to experience faith in Jesus Christ.  We are exploring within ourselves what it means to hear God’s desire for us.  
 
 

In a group with others exploring who Christ is for them, along with members of the Parish, it is a time to tell our stories, to ask questions and to make new friends who may be at similar points in the journey.   

 
 
If you feel that you are ready and would like to take the next step, this period concludes with the celebration of the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens.
 
The Rite of Acceptance:

We gain entrance and acceptance into the worshiping community

We are welcomed and prayed for by the faith community

We are encouraged to accept the “Good News”; to grow in faith and to follow Christ

We are signed with the Cross

 
 

II. Catechumenate

 

A time for faith to be nurtured so that your relationship with Christ and his Church can grow and thrive. You will be participating in celebrations of the Word and attending sessions to learn about Catholic faith and teachings. 

 

 

Together we will explore the Tradition, customs and practices of the Catholic faith.  We will look deeper into prayer, the bible, worship and the Apostolic life.

 

  

If you feel that you are ready and would like to take the next step towards initiation, this period concludes with the celebration of the Rite of Election/Enrollment of Names where there will be a diocesan-wide celebration of Catechumens.

 
 
 
Rite of Election:

You are “sent” as the apostles were sent, to be received by the Bishop and worshiping community. 

Today you are “elected” to receive the Easter Sacraments

 
 

III. Purification and Enlightenment

 
 

As an Elect, this period (usually during Lent) preceding your initiation is meant to be a time of reflection, intensely centered on conversion, and marked by the celebration of a series of preparation rites for Sacraments of Initiation.

 

 

 

As the Sacraments near, our preparation intensifies as we deeply reflect on the call to conversion and repentance and what it means to follow Christ.  It is a time of retreat and prayer; a  time of keeping the customs of Lent:  fasting, almsgiving and prayer

 

 

During this time, you are free to make a final decision whether you wish to be fully initiated into the church.

 
 
 
 
 
The Great Easter Vigil:  The Sacraments of Initiation

The waters of Baptism

The Anointing Oil and the Gifts of the Holy Spirit through Confirmation

The Holy Eucharist

The Body and Blood of Jesus Christ our Lord

Sent on mission to love and Serve our Lord 

 

IV. Mystagogy/Postbaptismal Catechesis

 

Now that you have been initiated, as a new member of the Church, you are fully a part of the community.  This is a time form deepening your faith.

 
 
This is just the beginning……………
 
Mystagogy:

We Celebrate

We immerse ourselves into the work and mission of Jesus Christ

We discover our ever vibrant and deepening place in the mystery of God

We are sent