CHURCH OF CHRIST THE KING
RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process by which Adults become members of the Roman Catholic Church. The process is concerned with the total formation of the person into believing with the Parish Community (doctrinal formation), living with the Parish Community (practical formation), praying with the Parish Community (liturgical formation) and serving with the Parish community (apostolic formation).

The RCIA process at the Church of Christ the King begins in September and continues through Pentecost. We meet weekly on Thursday evenings between 7:15 PM and 9:00 PM. in the Church Library .The Church Library is located in the vestibule of the Church opposite the Lamarck Drive entrance to the Upper Church. Access to the vestibule is available from the small parking lot (located between the church and school buildings) using either the handicapped entrance or the door under the canopy.

Instructions are given by the Parish RCIA Team with occasional guest speakers. The team is a group of individuals who support the candidates through the RCIA journey, culminating with the initiation of the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist at the Easter Vigil Mass and commissioning on Pentecost Sunday. The team consists of Parish Priests, Women Religious, Deacons and Parishioners of the Parish.

The RCIA process consists of four periods

I. Period of EvangeIization (Pre-Catechumenate or Inguiry) -This is the period when individuals share their stories about the Catholic Faith; answer questions from the inquirers, give an introduction to Parish Life and develop a relationship between the team and the inquirers

2. Period of Catechumenate -This is the period when more in depth sharing of the Roman Catholic faith takes place. We also study the Sacred Scripture. During this period Catechumens are dismissed from Sunday Mass after the homily for further analysis of the liturgy of the word. It is also during this time the Catechumens begin experiencing life in the Catholic Community .This period ends with the Rite of Sending from our Parish to the Rite of Election with Bishop Mansell. This Rite of Election has traditionally been held at St. Amelia's Church. It is during this ceremony when the catechumens sign the Book of the Elect, signifyin~ their intention to continue their faith journey to full incorporation into the Church.

3. Period of Enlightenment -This period begins with the first Sunday of Lent and culminates with the Easter Vigil Liturgy. This is a period of intense preparation for the initiation of the Sacraments. This is a period when the Parish Community also renews their commitment to the Christian values as well as participating in prayer, fasting and works of mercy. The reflections on the Lenten scriptural readings enable the elect and candidates to reflect and prepare for the Easter Vigil.

The Easter Triduum is a solemn and joyful celebration ofChrist's Life, Death and Resurrection. It is at the Easter Vigil Liturgy that the Elect and Candidates are fully initiated into the Church. Those to receive Baptism will receive their white Baptismal gown and candle. The entire congregation will also renew their Baptismal vows at this Liturgy and be blessed with the new Holy Water .Those to be Confirmed will receive the Holy Spirit through the prayer of the Church and anointing with the Holy Oil called Chrism. The elect will also receive their First Communion at this Liturgy prior to the congregation receiving the sacrament. This is a very moving and powerful Liturgy .

Through the entire process the Parish community witnesses the rites and gives their support to the candidates through their prayers and encouragement.

A Candidate is Baptized during the Easter Vigil Mass

Candidates being welcomed by Parish Community after receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation

4 .Period of Mystagogy -This period begins after Easter. With the reception of the Sacraments at the Easter Vigil the Neophytes ( candidates are now called Neophytes) have just begun their journey as a Catholic in the Mystical Body of Christ. This is the time to more deeply understand and celebrate their new faith, examine the ministries of the Church and enter the mission of the Church. The Neophytes are asked to become more involved in the life of the Parish. At the first meeting following Easter, the Neophytes and the RCIA Team reflect and review the Easter Vigil Liturgy and its meaning.

The period of Mystagogy ends on Pentecost Sunday at the Church of Christ the King when the Neophytes are Commissioned to continue their journey and participate as full members of the Church.

If you would like to join the RCIA process, have questions regarding the process or would like to learn more about your faith please call Renee Villa, Pastoral Associate at 839-1430, ext 220.