RCIA Updates
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
410-796-8150 ext. 12
Adult Faith Formation:
Leadership and Catechesis - AFFLAC!
May 11, 2008
PENTECOST SUMDAY – THE BIRTHDAY OF THE CHURCH!
IMMERSED in the SPIRIT!
“When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all
in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a
noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house
in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of
fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they
were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in
different tongue, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.” Acts
2:1-4
At Pentecost, Luke writes in the Acts of the Apostles that “they
were all in on place together.” Who are they? A few verses
earlier, the community had selected a successor to Judas and Luke
says that there were “about 120 persons there.” So, “they” refers
back to the group. This took place only weeks after the
Resurrection. This community in Jerusalem was “the entire Church.”
As best we can figure out, none of these people had been baptized.
In effect, the Pentecost event was their baptism. This can help us
realize more fully what happens at baptism. Baptism is more than a
couple drops of water washing away original sin. Baptism is
becoming immersed in the Spirit – not just in that moment, but for
the rest of my life. That same Spirit is with me now. Let me try
to take that in.
(Reflection from The Little White Book)
JUST WHAT IS RCIA?
Those initials stand for The Rite of Christian Initiation of
Adults – a process for welcoming adult newcomers (Inquirers) into
the Roman Catholic Church.
RCIA is A Community Journey that leads to a transformation of mind
and spirit. Guided by the Gospel and by the examples set by church
members, newcomers can find their place in the community of
believers.
RCIA is A Personal Journey in which church members reexamine their
own relationship with God. The enthusiastic and joyous response of
newcomers to the discovery of Christ in their lives can spark
renewed faith in the lives of other church members.
Who is it for? INQUIRERS come from a variety of backgrounds.
The process of full initiation is adapted to meet the needs of men
and women who are:
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not baptized
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baptized in the Roman Catholic church but not evangelized or
completely initiated.
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baptized in another Christian church but in need of further
instruction and initiation.
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"HELPING HANDS" MINISTRY
“Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Mt. 5
Our “Helping Hands” assist with funeral receptions for our
parishioners - by setting up, serving, food donations, take-down
and clean-up. For more information or to offer your assistance,
contact Mary Jane .
ABOUT RCIA
Are you someone who was baptized as a Catholic but never received
the Sacraments of First Communion and/or Confirmation?
Are you someone who has a family member or a friend who is
Catholic and are you interested in becoming a Catholic yourself?
Are you someone who was baptized in a non-Catholic Christian faith
and you are now interested in converting to the Catholic Faith?
Are you someone who has never baptized in any Christian faith and
now you would like to be a full member of the Catholic Church?
If you are an adult (18 years or older) and have answered “yes” to
any one of these questions, then the Rite of Christian Initiation
of Adults is for you. RCIA is a faith journey in which you deepen
your relationship with God and make friendships with other
candidates and team members thru Bible Study, faith sharing, and
learning about the Teachings of the Catholic Church. Adults are
then fully initiated into the Catholic Church thru the Sacrament
of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion at the Easter Vigil.
Our next RCIA group is forming now. If interested or if you have
questions, call Mary Jane @ 410-564-2395.
RCIA NEEDS YOU!
In a past bulletin, we noted that one of the
“Characteristics of a Faith Filled Adult” (#5)
stated that a faith-filled Adult is one who
Seeks to be a part of a community
of believers in which people witness to their faith and
support and nourish one another.
Won’t you help us with one of the
following:
| Child-Care Provider during class time? |
| Hospitality? |
| A Sunday morning Greeter for our 16 Inquirers? |
| Office or Phone
Assistance? |
Call Mary Jane for details.
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