Outline of Our RCIA Progra
PERIOD OF EVANGELIZATION
This is a time, of no fixed duration or structure, for inquiry and introduction to gospel values, and opportunity for the beginnings of faith. This period occurs from September to the first Sunday of Advent, the topics discussed during this period include:
Journey of Faith
What do Catholics Believe?
What is the Meaning of the Mass?
The Bible
How Catholics interpret the Bible
The Saints
Mary
Places in the Catholic Church
Who’s Who in the Church
Catholics and Prayer (including the Church’s Liturgical Cycle
Catholic Practices
Catholics and Church
Preparation for the Rite of Acceptance
The Rite of Acceptance
FIRST STEP: ACCEPTANCE INTO THE ORDER OF CATECHUMENS
This is the liturgical rite, usually celebrated on the first Sunday of Advent, marking the beginning of the catechumenate proper, as the candidates express and the Church accepts their intention to respond to God’s call to follow the way of Christ.
PERIOD OF THE CATECHUMENATE
This is the time, in duration corresponding to the progress of the individual, for the nurturing and growth of the catechumens’ faith and conversion to God; celebrations of the word and prayers of exorcism and blessing are meant to assist the process. This period occurs from the first Sunday in Advent to the first Sunday of Lent, the topics discussed during this period include:
An Introduction to the Sacraments
The Sacrament of Baptism
The Sacrament of Confirmation
The Eucharist
The Sacrament of Penance
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick
The Sacrament of Holy Order
The Sacrament of Marriage
People of God
Who is Jesus Christ?
The Early Church
The History of the Church
Christian Moral Living
Social Justice
The Consistent of Ethic
The Dignity of Life
SECOND STEP: ELECTION (OR ENROLLMENT OF NAMES OF THE ELECT)
This is the liturgical rite, usually celebrated on the First Sunday of Lent, by which the Church formally ratifies the catechumens’ readiness for the sacraments of initiation and the catechumens, now the elect, express the will to receive these sacraments.
PERIOD OF PURIFICATION AND ENLIGHTENMENT
This is immediately preceding the elect’ initiation, usually the Lenten season preceding the celebration of this initiation at the Easter Vigil; it is a time of reflection, intensely centered on conversion, marked by celebration of the scrutinizes and presentation and of the preparation rites on Holy Saturday. This period occurs from the first Sunday in Lent until the Easter Vigil, the topics discussed during this period include:
What is Lent?
Saying Yes to Jesus
Take a Look: The Scrutinies
The Nicene Creed
The Presentation of the Creed
The Way of the Cross
The Lord’s Prayer
The Presentation of the Lord’s Prayer
The Meaning of Holy Week
THIRD STEP: CELEBRATION OF THE SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION
This is the liturgical rite, usually integrated into the Easter Vigil, by which the elect are initiated through baptism, confirmation, and the Eucharist.
PERIOD OF POST-BAPTISMAL CATECHESIS OR MYSTAGOGY
This is the time, usually the Easter season, following the celebration of initiation, during which the newly initiated experience being fully a part of the Christian community by means of both pertinent catechesis and particularly by participation with all the faithful in the Sunday Eucharistic celebration. During this period, topics discussed include:
Conversion: A Lifelong Process
The Laity: Called to Build God’s Kingdom
Your Special Gifts
Family Life
Your Prayer Life
Discernment
Holiness
Evangelization