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Twenty-First Sunday of the Year
27 August 2006
Praised be Jesus Christ! Now and forever!
Dear Friends in Christ,
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a process for bringing into the Catholic Church both those who have never been baptized (Catechumens) and those who were baptized in a non-Catholic Church (Candidates for Full Communion). RCIA is also the best way for adult Catholics who have never been confirmed to prepare for that final Sacrament of Initiation.
On Wednesday 6 September, we will begin a new class of RCIA at St. Mary’s, and we invite to participate everyone who would like to join the Catholic Church or who is at least curious to understand the teachings and customs of Catholic Christianity. For those who have never been baptized, this process will culminate in Baptism at the Great Vigil of Easter next spring. Those who are already baptized will be received into full communion with the Catholic Church by a profession of faith at the same Vigil. Finally, the newly baptized adults and those who make their profession of faith will all be confirmed and share in the Holy Eucharist for the first time at the Easter Vigil.
While classroom work is a part of the process, RCIA is more than a class; it is a gradual introduction to the customs, beliefs, practices, and devotions of Catholicism. Those who participate will be guided by teachers and assisted by mentors to understand the richness of Catholic worship and teaching as a preparation for making a profession of faith at Easter: "I believe and profess all that the holy Catholic Church believes, teaches, and proclaims to be revealed by God."
The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation for all who believe, and the Church invites all persons to live in the fullness of the freedom of the children of God through faith, hope, and love. Such abundant life is given ordinarily through the seven Sacraments of the New and Everlasting Covenant, and the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the pathway to full sacramental life in the Church. Please join us on that path.
Father Newman
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us.