St. Michael the Archangel at 502 West Front Street, Monroe, MI 48161 US - RCIA... our invitation to YOU to join the Roman Catholic community
| RCIA... our invitation to YOU to join the Roman Catholic community |
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Our RCIA meets on Tuesday evenings at 7pm in the Archangel Room.
The Rite of Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a journey of conversion which welcomes with open arms new adult members into the Roman Catholic faith. The "journey" includes the Sacramental Rites of Baptism, Confirmation and the Holy Eucharist. The Rite of Initiation of Adults leads to a full communion with our faith; that is, full, conscious and active participation in the Eucharist and in the whole of the Catholic faith community. There are four phases of adult initiation:
1. PERIOD OF EVANGELIZATION AND PRE-CATECHUEMENATE. This is a time of no fixed duration or structure. It is a time for inquiry and introduction to Gospel values... an opportunity for the beginning of faith. This leads to the FIRST STEP: ACCEPTANCE INTO THE ORDER OF CATECHUMENS. This is the liturgical rite, usually celebrated on some annual date, marking the beginning of the catechumenate proper; the candidates express and the Church accepts their intention to respond to God's call to follow the way of Christ.
2. PERIOD OF THE CATECHUMENATE. This is the time, its length depending upon the individual, for nurturing the growth of the catechumens in faith and conversion to God. This leads to the SECOND STEP: ELECTION OR ENROLLMENT OF NAMES. This is the liturgical rite, usually celebrated on the first Sunday of Lent, by which the Church formally approves the catechumens' readiness to join the Church. The catechumens then become "elect" and express the will to receive the sacraments.
3. PERIOD OF PURIFICATION AND ENLIGHTENMENT. This is the time immediately preceding the initiation of the elect into the Church, usually during the Lenten season with final initiation at the Easter Vigil. This is a time intensely centered on conversion and leads to the THIRD STEP: CELEBRATION OF THE SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION. This is the liturgical rite, usually held during the Easter Vigil, by which the elect are initiated through Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist.
4. PERIOD OF POST-BAPTISMAL CATECHESIS. This is the time, usually during the Easter season, during which newly initiated members of the Church begin full participation with all the faithful in the Eucharistic celebration.
If you are interested in JOINING the Roman Catholic community of believers, please contact the parish office at 241-8645.
If you are ALREADY CATHOLIC, think of the RCIA as a unique opportunity to be involved in and renew your faith while opening the door to our faith to new members. Be a "CATECHIST," and share your faith; teach the truths of the Catholic Church. Be a "SPONSOR," a spiritual guide or companion for the candidate who is on his or her journey to conversion. Be a "TEAM MEMBER," and provide warmth, hospitality and a genuine willingness to share your faith. If you are interested in lending a hand, call the office at 241-8645.