RCIA has been the biggest blessing......
a testimony from a recent candidate
I always knew I wanted to finish my sacraments of initiation one day, but I just always put it in my back pocket to forget about until another day. It took me until January 2020 when my grandmother took ill that it really struck me that it’s something I had to do.. not only because she would’ve wanted it, but because I also really wanted it. I never knew how much weekly meetings with the team would have meant to me. It often was the highlight of my week. I’ve learned so much not only about my faith but about myself. I’m thankful for the team, with whom I’ve grown friendships with. The opportunity to take these classes as an adult is amazing and I’m so excited for the adventure to come! I can’t imagine taking this journey any other way..........
Tabitha Fernandes RCIA candidate 2020-2021
We are here to accompany YOU on the journey to completing your Sacraments of Initiation or if you desire to enter into the Catholic way of life......
For further information, please call Catherine in the office or send her an email?
a testimony from a recent candidate
I always knew I wanted to finish my sacraments of initiation one day, but I just always put it in my back pocket to forget about until another day. It took me until January 2020 when my grandmother took ill that it really struck me that it’s something I had to do.. not only because she would’ve wanted it, but because I also really wanted it. I never knew how much weekly meetings with the team would have meant to me. It often was the highlight of my week. I’ve learned so much not only about my faith but about myself. I’m thankful for the team, with whom I’ve grown friendships with. The opportunity to take these classes as an adult is amazing and I’m so excited for the adventure to come! I can’t imagine taking this journey any other way..........
Tabitha Fernandes RCIA candidate 2020-2021
We are here to accompany YOU on the journey to completing your Sacraments of Initiation or if you desire to enter into the Catholic way of life......
For further information, please call Catherine in the office or send her an email?
RCIA
RCIA
RCIA, Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
Welcome! “Come and you will see” (John 1:39)
If you are searching for a way to meet your spiritual needs and identify with a community of faith, you are in the right place. The RCIA program not only assists those who are seeking to know more about the Catholic Church but provides them with support and partners on this faith journey.
What does RCIA mean? Who is it for?
RCIA stands for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. It is a process through which unbaptized adults, ages 18 and older,** are formed in the teachings and practices of the Catholic Church and who are then initiated into the Church. It is also for those baptized Christians of other faith denominations seeking to convert to Catholicism and for those baptized Catholics who have yet to receive the sacraments of the Eucharist and Confirmation.
There may be exceptions when older children may be offered participation in the RCIA process.** There also is an RCIC program, Rite of Christian Initiation of Children, for those children seeking baptism and are older than 9 years of age.**
**Entry of those younger than 18 will be determined by the pastor and directors of the RCIA and Faith Formation Ministries.
What happens in the RCIA?
Here at St Joseph’s we offer a team approach to the RCIA process. Weekly sessions will be facilitated by one of the co-directors, two presenting team members and two witness team members, as well as other participants and sponsors. Each session is considered “sacred space” and we assure that anything discussed or shared is done so in a confidential atmosphere. There will be a review of the readings of the Mass for that particular Sunday and specific topics will be discussed. Both participants and team members share and learn from each other based on the life experiences that each bring to the table.
How long does the RCIA process last?
Our RCIA program follows a “school calendar.” It begins in September and consists of four periods: Inquiry or Precatechumenate, Catechumenate, Purification and Enlightenment (Lenten season) and Mystagogy (postbaptismal/post Easter).
What to expect during the four steps?
Inquiry or Precatechumenate…begins with your first session. During this time you can ask questions about the Catholic faith. No commitments or promises are made. During this time you will learn about the foundation of the Church. This period can last as long as you desire but usually lasts about 8-10 weeks. When you are ready to continue you will experience the Rite of Welcoming.
Catechumenate…during this time you will learn about the main beliefs of the Church including the Sacraments. Discussions will also center on Catholic morality, social teaching, ethics and dignity of life. You will also have a godparent and or sponsor join you on this journey. At the end of the Catechumenate, if you are ready and you demonstrate this to the team, then you will be invited to participate in the Rite of Election. During this Rite, which takes place just before the Lenten season begins, you declare your intent to become a member of the Catholic Church.
Purification and Enlightenment (Lent)…this is the time period of preparation for both our RCIA participants as well as the whole church…it is the period of the six weeks before Easter. The weekly sessions will be focused not on teaching but on deeper spiritual preparation for reception of the sacraments and full initiation into the Church. On the eve of Easter, Holy Saturday those who have completed their preparation enter the Church through the sacraments of initiation.
Mystagogy (Post initiation time)…is the weeks between Easter to Pentecost. During this time, I like to think of it as the, “okay, what next phase.”
What do we expect from you?
Be open. Ask questions. Pray for wisdom. Keep a journal. Attend sessions. Attend Mass. Participate in parish activities. Meet and talk to other parishioners.
What can you expect from us?
The entire St Joseph’s Parish community will remain with you to provide continued support and encouragement as you assume your new life in Christ and his Catholic Church.
What now? “Come follow me” (Mark 10:21; Luke 18:22)
Please contact the rectory at 508-994-9714 or by sending an email to [email protected]
Let Catherine know of your interest in the RCIA program and provide her with your name and contact information (telephone, text or email and when is the best time to reach you). One of the directors will contact you for further information and to set up an appointment to meet with you and Fr Stephen, our pastor.
Welcome! “Come and you will see” (John 1:39)
If you are searching for a way to meet your spiritual needs and identify with a community of faith, you are in the right place. The RCIA program not only assists those who are seeking to know more about the Catholic Church but provides them with support and partners on this faith journey.
What does RCIA mean? Who is it for?
RCIA stands for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. It is a process through which unbaptized adults, ages 18 and older,** are formed in the teachings and practices of the Catholic Church and who are then initiated into the Church. It is also for those baptized Christians of other faith denominations seeking to convert to Catholicism and for those baptized Catholics who have yet to receive the sacraments of the Eucharist and Confirmation.
There may be exceptions when older children may be offered participation in the RCIA process.** There also is an RCIC program, Rite of Christian Initiation of Children, for those children seeking baptism and are older than 9 years of age.**
**Entry of those younger than 18 will be determined by the pastor and directors of the RCIA and Faith Formation Ministries.
What happens in the RCIA?
Here at St Joseph’s we offer a team approach to the RCIA process. Weekly sessions will be facilitated by one of the co-directors, two presenting team members and two witness team members, as well as other participants and sponsors. Each session is considered “sacred space” and we assure that anything discussed or shared is done so in a confidential atmosphere. There will be a review of the readings of the Mass for that particular Sunday and specific topics will be discussed. Both participants and team members share and learn from each other based on the life experiences that each bring to the table.
How long does the RCIA process last?
Our RCIA program follows a “school calendar.” It begins in September and consists of four periods: Inquiry or Precatechumenate, Catechumenate, Purification and Enlightenment (Lenten season) and Mystagogy (postbaptismal/post Easter).
What to expect during the four steps?
Inquiry or Precatechumenate…begins with your first session. During this time you can ask questions about the Catholic faith. No commitments or promises are made. During this time you will learn about the foundation of the Church. This period can last as long as you desire but usually lasts about 8-10 weeks. When you are ready to continue you will experience the Rite of Welcoming.
Catechumenate…during this time you will learn about the main beliefs of the Church including the Sacraments. Discussions will also center on Catholic morality, social teaching, ethics and dignity of life. You will also have a godparent and or sponsor join you on this journey. At the end of the Catechumenate, if you are ready and you demonstrate this to the team, then you will be invited to participate in the Rite of Election. During this Rite, which takes place just before the Lenten season begins, you declare your intent to become a member of the Catholic Church.
Purification and Enlightenment (Lent)…this is the time period of preparation for both our RCIA participants as well as the whole church…it is the period of the six weeks before Easter. The weekly sessions will be focused not on teaching but on deeper spiritual preparation for reception of the sacraments and full initiation into the Church. On the eve of Easter, Holy Saturday those who have completed their preparation enter the Church through the sacraments of initiation.
Mystagogy (Post initiation time)…is the weeks between Easter to Pentecost. During this time, I like to think of it as the, “okay, what next phase.”
What do we expect from you?
Be open. Ask questions. Pray for wisdom. Keep a journal. Attend sessions. Attend Mass. Participate in parish activities. Meet and talk to other parishioners.
What can you expect from us?
The entire St Joseph’s Parish community will remain with you to provide continued support and encouragement as you assume your new life in Christ and his Catholic Church.
What now? “Come follow me” (Mark 10:21; Luke 18:22)
Please contact the rectory at 508-994-9714 or by sending an email to [email protected]
Let Catherine know of your interest in the RCIA program and provide her with your name and contact information (telephone, text or email and when is the best time to reach you). One of the directors will contact you for further information and to set up an appointment to meet with you and Fr Stephen, our pastor.
