RCIA Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults Catholic Inquiry

Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults
The RCIA Process

--by Vickie Shepherd

Rite Of Election
The RCIA Process
It is now the first Sunday of Lent.
The Alleluia has been buried.
Shades of purple veil each Church*
A mass of bramble is carefully bent to
Resemble the crown of thorns,
which Jesus wore without complaint.
A solemn reminder of the kingship,
of our Lord, Jesus Christ. The passion
of Jesus must ultimately bring us to
our knees, at the foot of the cross.

During your Lenten journey you are called to a more intense time of retreat with the other elect of the Church. This period is called purification and enlightenment. “ This time is intended to purify the minds and hearts of the elect as they search their own consciences and do penance. This period is intended as well to enlighten the minds and hearts of the elect with a deeper knowledge of Christ the Savior.” The celebration of the scrutinies and the presentations will enrich this experience for our elect.

“The Rite”

“These Catechumens whom I now present to you
have completed their period of preparation.
They have found strength in God’s grace,
And support in our community’s prayer and example.
They would now like to enter their final period of
Scrutiny and participate in the sacraments of
Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist. * *
(Adapted from the RCIA Rite book)

You have been sent from your parish community, and the Bishop will “receive” you in the procession as you walk forward into a new life with Christ. The Book of the Elect will preceed you into the church as a presentation of your intent to continue your journey. At this moment in your life you are affirming your earlier promises to know, love and follow Christ. It is also the time which your sponsor, godparents, team, and the community of Catholics will say, “Yes these Catechumens and Candidates are ready to move into their final preparation period. They have experienced true conversion of heart, mind and soul.” It has been a conversion experience not only for you, but also for each person who has traveled this road with you. Each of us has been truly blessed and touched by the Spirit of God this past year. We have grown in our personal faith experience with you, and we have each encountered Jesus within this group assembled in His name. He has moved us to a new level of perception in His Spirit.

During this part of the Rite, one of the team members will come forward and call your names for enrollment to the Easter Vigil Rite. The bishop will ask a few questions of you, and shortly after this your sponsors will be asked to stand with you as they are recognized. Their testimony is the final affirmation to the bishop. You are now the 'Elect of God'. Returning to your parish as a disciple ready to say “yes” to all Jesus, asks of you. Soon you will be joining us at the Eucharistic table and proclaiming your “Amen”. This is the Body of Christ with whom I am in communion!

* The color purple mentioned signifies royalty. Jesus is King!

* * The candidates for full communion will not be baptized (again), we recognize all Trinitarian baptisms as valid.

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