Faith Formation
Rite of Christian Initiation
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, R.C.I.A., is the traditional practice of the Church for preparing non-baptized adults for full participation in the sacramental life of the Church.
At St. Mary's Church the RCIA is a nine-month process of interaction, education, spiritual growth and liturgical prayer within an experiential process. The program begins in September of each year. Most participants are received into the Church at the Easter Vigil, where they are baptized, confirmed and receive their First Communion. The RCIA program continues until Pentecost (May).
The RCIA program is specifically intended for unbaptized and unchurched persons seeking initiation into the life of Christ as Roman Catholics. However, baptized persons who are seeking full communion with the Catholic Church and uncatechised baptized persons desiring the sacramental life of the Catholic Church may be included in the St. Mary's program.
The RCIA is a four step gradual process that takes place within the community of the faithful.
- The first Period is named Inquiry in which the participant makes inquiry about the Faith and the Church responds and evangelizes. This Period ends with a mutual discernment and the Rite of acceptance into the Order of Catechumens. The Catechumen will have a Sponsor who is a Catholic person who will know and assist the candidate. They will stand as witness to the candidate's moral character, faith, and intention. They serve the candidate as a bridge to the community of The Faithful and accompany the candidate through the catechetical process.
- The second Period, named Catechumenate, is a time of learning about Catholic sacramental life and worship and includes study and spiritual development. It ends with mutual discernment and the Rite of Election.
- The third Period is named Enlightenment and coincides with the Lenten purification and preparation for the Easter celebration and the sacraments of initiation. This period is especially devoted to various celebrations and spiritual advancement through prayer.
- The fourth and final Period extends through the Easter season and is devoted to post-Easter catechesis designed to incorporate the newly initiated into the life of the church community.
RCIA classes are held on Wednesdays from 7:00-9:00 p.m. in the Seelos Hall at St. John Neumann.
Contact Us
For Children and Teens:
Karen Bruskewicz
Director of Faith Formation
kbruskewicz@stmarysannapolis.org
410-990-4062
Karen Bruskewicz
Director of Faith Formation
kbruskewicz@stmarysannapolis.org
410-990-4062
Rite of Christian Initiation for Children
The Rite of Christian Initiation adapted for Children introduces children and youth in 3rd grade or higher, who have not received the Sacraments of Baptism and/or Reconciliation/Eucharist and who have had little or no atechesis, to Catholicism and prepares them to receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation) and Reconciliation.
Children who are seeking a fuller relationship with God through the Catholic Church are invited to participate in our Rite of Christian Initiation adapted for children (RCIC) sessions, or in our Rite of Christian Initiation sessions for teens. A celebration of entrance into our Catholic Christian Community occurs during the Easter season after an eight-month process of prayer, study and spiritual formation has prepared them for this celebration.
Sessions are held for children 3rd – 6th grade on Sunday mornings (September to April) from 9:00 to 10:10 AM in the Elementary and Primary School Buildings. Sessions for teens 7th – 12 th grade, meet on Sunday mornings, from 11:00 – 12:30 pm, held in the St. John Neumann room on the main hallway of St. Mary’s Church.
A Family Mass is held in Marian Hall of St. Mary’s High School from 8:00 to 8:45 AM on each Sunday sessions are held, for all who are able to make it. All parents of children and teens in our RCIA program, who are also interested in entering into the fullness of faith in the Catholic Church, are welcome to join our RCIA for Teens class on Sundays.
Come join us, Jesus waits for you here!
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