Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)
Are you interested in becoming a member of the Catholic Church? If so, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.) is the program for you. The RCIA helps individuals to learn about the Church and, in the process, answers such questions as: How do I come to know God? What is the Catholic Church all about? What is prayer? Is it really possible for me to develop a prayer life? What are the major differences between the Catholic Church and Protestant denominations?
Approximately 500 individuals enter the Catholic Church each year in the Manchester Diocese alone. This is significant because it tells us that many people are searching for the presence of God in their lives. Generally, they have examined many different religions and have concluded that the Catholic Church is the one place on earth where they can find that presence.
The RCIA is a program that is intended for three different groups of people who seek the same goal, initiation into the Church of God. The first group are those who have never been baptized in any religion. The second group are those who were baptized into a different religion but who seek to become members of the Catholic Church. The third group are those who were baptized Catholic but for whatever reason never received the subsequent sacraments of Holy Communion or Confirmation.
The RCIA begins in the fall when interested parties come together to ask questions and learn what the process is about in greater detail. This time of Inquiry will help each person determine whether or not they will remain with the program. The Inquiry session will be followed by a series of weekly discussions in which we will learn about Jesus Christ and the Good News He proclaimed. We will learn about the theology of the church, the Second Coming of Christ, the importance of the Bible as the inspired Word of God, the sacraments, devotions of the Church, as well as Catholic customs and other important topics.
Lent is a serious time for those in the RCIA as they intensify their prayer life. Several liturgical events will take place at Mass, known as the Scrutinies. They are beautiful prayers which serve to remind us all of the precious gift of faith that we have received. The Sacraments of Initiation always takes place during the Easter Vigil. There is no greater symbol of new life than our celebration of Christ’s passage from death to life. How appropriate it is then, for the sacraments that bring us "new life" to be celebrated on the same night that brings unending Light.
If you are interested, please feel free to contact Father Potvin at pastor@icpenacook.org.
Approximately 500 individuals enter the Catholic Church each year in the Manchester Diocese alone. This is significant because it tells us that many people are searching for the presence of God in their lives. Generally, they have examined many different religions and have concluded that the Catholic Church is the one place on earth where they can find that presence.
The RCIA is a program that is intended for three different groups of people who seek the same goal, initiation into the Church of God. The first group are those who have never been baptized in any religion. The second group are those who were baptized into a different religion but who seek to become members of the Catholic Church. The third group are those who were baptized Catholic but for whatever reason never received the subsequent sacraments of Holy Communion or Confirmation.
The RCIA begins in the fall when interested parties come together to ask questions and learn what the process is about in greater detail. This time of Inquiry will help each person determine whether or not they will remain with the program. The Inquiry session will be followed by a series of weekly discussions in which we will learn about Jesus Christ and the Good News He proclaimed. We will learn about the theology of the church, the Second Coming of Christ, the importance of the Bible as the inspired Word of God, the sacraments, devotions of the Church, as well as Catholic customs and other important topics.
Lent is a serious time for those in the RCIA as they intensify their prayer life. Several liturgical events will take place at Mass, known as the Scrutinies. They are beautiful prayers which serve to remind us all of the precious gift of faith that we have received. The Sacraments of Initiation always takes place during the Easter Vigil. There is no greater symbol of new life than our celebration of Christ’s passage from death to life. How appropriate it is then, for the sacraments that bring us "new life" to be celebrated on the same night that brings unending Light.
If you are interested, please feel free to contact Father Potvin at pastor@icpenacook.org.
