1. RCIA – Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
Do you know what Catholics believe…..
About Jesus?
About the sacraments?
About salvation history?
About the Scriptures?
About faith and morals?

2. Welcome to the first class of the year!
Handouts
Introductions
Schedule of Classes
Today – RCIA
Introduction to the Faith
Overview of RCIA
RCIA vs. RCIC
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults - RCIA
Rite of Christian Initiation of Children - RCIC
RCIC is for children going through the program usually ages 7 – 16.

3. What is RCIA? RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) is:
A process of evangelization
A process to help people learn about Jesus and to explore the rich faith and traditions of the Catholic Church
A process to help people who are not Catholic to enter the Church at Easter Vigil
Both baptized in other faith communities and never baptized

4. Who is RCIA for?
RCIA is for anyone who wants to learn more about their faith.
Those who want to become Catholic
Those who want to try to understand the teachings of the Catholic Church
Those who simply want to deepen their faith if they are already Catholic

5. Why is RCIA required for people to enter the Church?
The Church wants all of its members to come freely to inquire to have full knowledge of what they are about to undertake.
RCIA helps and aids the person by providing the necessary information so that the candidate or catechumen can make an informed decision about becoming Catholic
Most importantly, to witness the faith in the world every member of the Catholic Church should know what they believe

6. When will RCIA be held?
Saturday mornings from 9 – 11 – as listed on the syllabus
In the church basement!
If the class were ever to be moved because of other things going on like funerals, there will be a note on the doors as to where the class will be held, and how to get there.

7. How long does this RCIA process take?
It takes a life time of learning, but to become a member of the church.
This usually is about a six month process marked by liturgical celebrations which culminate with the candidates and catechumens entering the Catholic Church and receiving the sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil the following spring
Usually Fall to Spring

8. What are the sacraments of initiation?
What is initiation?
Initiation is the process of formal admission or acceptance into a community or society
Organizations – K of C
Club – fraternal
Church –
Initiation either has rites or ceremonies for one of its members to be admitted.

9. When is one fully initiated into the Catholic Church?
An adult becomes a full member of the Catholic Church when they are:
1. Baptized
2. Confirmed
3. Received Holy Communion
For those of you who are inquiring about the faith or thinking of becoming Catholic, all three of these are received on Holy Saturday, the Easter Vigil.

10. Before we talk about the process…
It is important for us to understand a few terms that are important
RCIA – Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults older than 16. For those younger than 16, there is RCIC, they too will be initiated on the Easter Vigil
Sacraments of Initiation – the celebrations (milestones) of brining one into full communion with the church through Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist.
Three great sacraments

11. More terms… Catechumen – one who has never been baptized
Last year, 10 of the 19 who entered the church were baptized on the Easter Vigil
Candidate – one who was baptized outside of the Catholic Church but was never confirmed or received their First Communion
The Catholic Church acknowledges other Christian baptisms as long as the Trinitarian formula “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” and flowing water was used

12. Structure and break up of the phases

15. 1st stage – Inquiry Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate
During this period, teaching is given to people who are interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith. The sessions cover basic information about the Faith and fundamentally communicate our need of God, who He is, and who he revealed Himself to be as we look through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
This stage allows the church to invite people to conversion, to turn toward the Lord.
These meetings during this stage are intended to help a person decide whether they want to continue learning about the Faith. Attendees at this stage are known as Inquirers.

16. 1st step – Rite of Acceptance
The Inquirers who wish to continue now move onto the second stage, which is known as the Period of the Catechumenate.
This rite may take place throughout the year, but most often take place during Advent and the month before it (October through December).
Here at St. Michael’s it takes place on Christ the King Sunday, November 25 at 10:30 AM
By this time, Catechumens must have in mind someone who would be willing to “sponsor” them. The sponsors are usually practicing strict Catholics that the Catechumens know. The duties of a sponsor are to go with them through the various rites, and provide individual instruction about matters of faith.
This is a very significant step, so much so that for Catechumens (unbaptized): ”One who dies during the Catechumenate receives a Christian burial.”[47] From the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
This Rite of Acceptance is the first rite and it takes place at the beginning of the general Sunday Mass in front of the parish community.

17. 2nd Stage – Period of Catechumenate
A Catechumen (from Latin catechumenus, instructed) is one receiving instruction in the principles of the Christian religion with a view to baptism. It is for this reason that those who are already validly baptized in another Christian Faith are not known as Catechumens, but rather Candidates.
The Catechumenate is an extended period during which the candidates are given suitable pastoral formation and guidance, aimed at training them in the Christian life.

18. 4 ways to achieve the 2nd stage - Catechumenate
This is achieved in four ways:
Suitable catechesis; solidly supported by celebrations of the Word.
The Catechumens learning to:
- Turn more readily to God in prayer - To bear witness to the Faith - In all things to keep their hopes set on Christ - To follow supernatural inspiration in their deeds - To practice the love of neighbor, even at the cost of self renunciation
Suitable liturgical rites, which purify the Catechumens little by little and strengthen them with God’s blessing; including celebrations of the Word.
Learning to work actively with others to spread the Gospel.

19. This period of Catechumenate is time for:
Continuing to build community within the group
Getting more involved in parish activities, getting to know the parish community
Learning about the basic teachings and beliefs of the Catholic Church
Exploring important and foundational Scripture passages
More importantly, it is a time for:
Continuing to examine God’s presence in our lives, past and present
Developing prayer life, entering into the communal worship of the parish
Fostering conversion
Developing or improving our relationship with God

20. 2nd Step – Rite of Election
Election or Enrollment of Names at a weekend Mass
The outline of this Rite is as follows:
Liturgy of the Word
Homily
Presentation of the Catechumens
Affirmation by the Godparents [and the Assembly]
Invitation and Enrolment of Names
Act of Admission or Election
Intercessions for the Elect
Prayer over the Elect
Dismissal of the Elect

21. 3rd stage – period of purification and enlightenment
This period tends to correspond with Lent and is intended to be a period of increased introspection and coming closer to God. The aim of this period is to eliminate what is weak and sinful, and affirm what is holy. During this period the Elect undertake a number of Rites, including the Scrutinies and Presentations

22. 3rd Step – Easter Vigil
At the Easter Vigil the celebration of the sacraments of initiation takes place. The Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist (Holy Communion).
The Elect celebrate all of these while the Candidates (having already been baptized) only celebrate Confirmation and the Eucharist. The Elect are now called Neophytes, and they are considered to be full members of the Christian faithful.

23. 4th Stage - Mystagogy
Mystagogy is a fifty day period which lasts from Easter Sunday until Pentecost Sunday. Pentecost Sunday marks the end of the Easter season for that year.
The conclusion of the Mystagogy period marks the end of initiation process. Now the neophytes enter into a lifelong process of Christian formation along with the rest of the faithful.
Mystagogy “…is a time for the Community and the Neophytes together to grow in deepening their grasp of the paschal mystery and in making it part of their lives through meditation on the Gospel, sharing in the Eucharist, and doing the works of Charity.” From the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.

24. Reconciliation – Easter Vigil

25. Questions, comments, concerns about this process?????

26. Break Time?
Let’s take a 3 minute bathroom, stretch break! OR

27. As we reconvene
Introduction from some of last years candidates and catechumens who will introduce themselves
Nathan Belgard
Erin Burnham
Melissa Ernst
Roger Sackett
What was your view of the church before RCIA?
Where were you on your journey of faith before entering RCIA?
What did you find helpful about this program?
How have you progressed in your faith since the Easter Vigil service?
What was the Easter Vigil service like for you?

28. Goals of this class?
This class is designed to help anyone to come to a deeper truth, understanding, and knowledge of the Catholic Faith.
It can be used for those who want to learn more about the faith for those who are practicing Catholics,
May want to brush up the faith.
Others come to RCIA from many different, wonderful religious backgrounds and denominations;
You just maybe want to learn more about what the Church teaches, and what we believe to understand your spouses position.
Others come to explore what the Church teaches in hopes of becoming a fully initiated Catholic come the Easter Vigil.
What does this mean? Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist
Most organizations have an initiation – college days, high school days
This class is open to anyone who wants to learn.
It’s great to have all of you here.

29. Let’s look at the schedule!
Hand out syllabus
Take a look at the schedule
Attendance is necessary to understand each topic
If you are not able to make it, please notify Ashlie Dill at the parish office or Fr. Pfeifer.
Weekly attendance will be taken
Order and logic of syllabus is necessary
Reading assignments
Next Saturday, we will cover the Existence of God,

30. Once we covered all of these topics…
When we go through that entire thing, we’ve covered all the teachings of the Church in just a few short months.
It goes very quickly.
Sometimes we may get snowed out, but we will try to reschedule any classes that we miss.

31. Textbooks… Let me just spend a moment or two explaining our textbooks,
1. The Catechism of the Catholic Church.
The Catechism is really a textbook of all the teachings of the Faith. What you find in this book really right from the horses’ mouth.
So many times, people get their religion from secular newspapers. But what you need to do, if you really want to find out what exactly does the Catholic Church teach, then you go to The Catechism, the official catechism of the Catholic Church.
And we’re very blessed that this has come out in the past twenty years, because the last universal catechism was 450 years ago, during the Council of Trent. That was the Roman Catechism. Now, there were other national Catechisms, like the Baltimore Catechism; those are more at a national level, that actually came out in 1885: but this Catechism is really called the Catechism of Vatican II. So, you’re getting all the teachings of the Faith put into language that is easy to understand.

32. Doctrine never changes…
One thing you’ll find out is that none of the doctrines of the Church have ever changed, that all the teachings of the Church on issues of Faith and Morals have remained constant.
For example, the early Christians believed in the Trinity; we believe in the Trinity.
They believed in the Divinity of Christ; we believe in the Divinity of Christ.
The Seven Sacraments,
the Ten Commandments, those teachings can never change.
Certain practices can change, like the Mass from Latin to English, and eating meat on Fridays and certain practices can change: but doctrines can never change, and issues of Faith and Morals can never change.

33. The Catechism dissected…
Catechism of the Catholic Church is a book filled with the basic teachings of the Faith in this Catechism.
It is a book that every Catholic home should use, and make reference to help them to grow in the faith.
This book is required in our classes
It is divided up into four parts.
These are known as the Four Pillars of the Faith.

34. Pillar 1 – the Creed The first is the Apostle’s Creed.
There are actually 12 articles in the Apostle’s Creed, and this covers the Profession of Faith.
This section of the Creed in The Catechism goes for the first couple hundred pages.
It represents 40 percent of The Catechism.
This section goes through the Apostle’s Creed: “I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord…” I think all of us are familiar with the Apostle’s Creed, because many other denominations pray it as well.

35. Pillar 2 – the Sacraments
The second Pillar of The Catechism would be the Seven Sacraments:
Baptism,
Confirmation,
Holy Communion, (Holy Eucharist)
Reconciliation, (Confession)
Anointing of the Sick,
Holy Matrimony (marriage)
Holy Orders (priesthood)
This section takes up about 25 percent of The Catechism.
This section deals with
the Christian mystery,
the Liturgy
the sacramental life.

36. Pillar 3 – the Ten Commandments
The third Pillar of The Catechism is the Ten Commandments.
This part is also about 25 percent of The Catechism.
This section helps us to go through the Ten Commandments,
how to live our Christian Faith.

37. Pillar 4 - Prayer
The last section of the Catechism deals with Christian Prayer.
This is basically 10 percent of The Catechism.
This section includes the seven petitions of the Our Father.
The Our Father is broken up into seven petitions:
“Hallowed be Thy Name,
Thy Kingdom come,
Thy Will be done…”
An easy way to remember is 12, 7, 10, 7.
The entire Faith can be summarized under those categories: the Apostle’s Creed, the Seven Sacraments, the Ten Commandments, and Prayer.

38. An overview of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC)
Take a look at The Catechism,
You’ll notice that on your handout, on your sheet, The Catechism’s readings are listed under the paragraphs, rather than under pages.
For example, when you get home later on, or sometime during this week, I’d recommend reading the Introduction to the Faith, which is the first 25 paragraphs.
Next week, when we cover the Existence of God, those topics are covered from paragraph 26 to paragraph 73, and then paragraphs 142 to 184.

39. Overview at the end of the chapter
At the end of every chapter, there is a section called “In Brief”, which gives a nice summary of what’s contained in the chapter.
Another thing I’d like to show you is in the back, the index.
It is very helpful,
For example, if you want to look up a particular topic, you maybe want to look up what does the Church teach about that subject.

40. Look up ‘angels’ in the index
If you turn to the index, you can see all the places that talk about the Angels and the demons. And it’ll give you the paragraph numbers. It talks about:
The fall of the Angels
Their free decision
Who Satan is
Their intelligence
Their free will
Guardian Angels
Heaven
The Angels’ role in salvation history
The significance of Angels for the Church

41. Index by topic
No matter what topic you’re interested in – Baptism, Confession, the Eucharist; this subject index is very helpful.

42. Catholicism for Dummies…
The second textbook, we want you to have is “Catholicism for Dummies”
This textbook is not optional, and it will be used for every class.
There will be assigned readings that come from this book
The book was authored by one of my professors, Fr. Ken Brighenti, and it is very to read and down to earth.

43. Catholicism for Dummies…
Because this is a required textbook, we have a couple of options.
1. you can purchase your own, and do the readings and bring it to class
2. because we want you to have the book in hand, you can talk to Ashlie or myself, and we will loan you a book for this year. At the end of the year, if you want to purchase the book you can, or if you want to return it for next years class you can do that as well.
If however, you decide to use a book we loan, we encourage you not to mark it up, or write in it!

44. Catholicism explained…
In this Catholicism for Dummies book, you will see that there are page numbers for reading assignments.
Remember the Catechism is by paragraph
So for this week, we would have encouraged you to read pages 9-22, 111.
For next week, we would like you to read pages before you come to class two.

45. Bible…
The third book that we want you to bring to class is the Bible, the Word of God.
Why the bible?
B – Basic
I – Instructions
B – Before
L – Leaving
E - Earth

46. The Bible is the “Word of God”
Now, one thing I would like to caution you on is what type of bible you are reading.
The one that we will use here in class is the “New American Bible” – NAB
Why NAB?
It has all of the books of the Bible, both Old Testament and New Testament.
This is the version we get our Sunday and all of our Mass readings from.
If you have an “RSV” – Revised Standard Version that will be acceptable, but the translation will not be as what we talk about in class.
Please pick up one of these two Catholic Bibles for this class, and have this bible in your own.
They are available at the Sacred Heart Book store in East Grand Forks.

47. The Faith Explained is recommended, but not mandatory!
The other book that is optional to help you reference things is called The Faith Explained.
This book was written by a priest named Father Leo Trese.
I use this book to help me in preparation for the classes, if you could take a look at this book.
It’s an excellent book even to give away to friends and family members.
One of the nice features is it is written in a sort of conversational language.
You will find certain topics in this book, topics like:
What is God like
How does God reveal Himself
The Angels
The Divinity of Christ
The Holy Spirit
The Church

48. The Faith Explained…
…goes through the Commandments, and then in part three, the Sacraments and Prayer. All catechisms are divided up into those four sections, as well.
You’ll notice on the handout that, for example, I’d recommend for next week the topics that coincide with our topic like reading pages 19 – 32. As long as you remember that The Catechism goes by paragraphs on the sheet, and The Faith Explained goes by pages.

49. Other things to bring: There will be handouts ever week.
Please bring a binder.
This week we have ten pages in our handout,
Other weeks there may be twenty or thirty pages
We will punch holes into these handouts for you and staple them.
Please bring a notepad
Please bring a pen
Please bring an open mind and heart

50. Prayers to learn….
The other handout we have for you is this nice little card that has a lot of prayers, very beautiful prayers, that I encourage you to read through, and to become more familiar with these prayers over the course of the next couple of weeks.

51. Sponsors….
By week 7, we would like for all of you who want to be baptized or confirmed to have a sponsor or think of a sponsor.
What is a sponsor?
A sponsor in the RCIA process is a companion for someone walking the journey to initiation who you can stay in touch with on a weekly basis.

52. What is a sponsor?
A sponsor is an active Catholic that is willing to be a companion to someone going through the RCIA process.
As they get acquainted they listen, answer questions, pray together, and connect them with the parish.
Sponsors find their role to be one that enriches and deepens their own faith as well. It is a very rewarding experience.
As one sponsor said, "I am learning and growing at a better pace than if I had not sponsored someone. It is very exciting to hear the questions they ask and to see them evolve through the process."
Sponsors are not meant to have all the answers ( in fact, it is better if they don't ). Their main role is to be a friend and companion on the journey.

53. What does a sponsor do? their role is:
1. to be a bridge between the catechumen or candidate and the parish community
2. to share with the catechumen or candidate the practices, traditions, and prayers of our Catholic tradition
3. to assist the parish initiation team
4. they present the inquirer to the parish community at the Rite of Acceptance/Welcoming;

54. What does a sponsor do?
5. they participate with the catechumen/candidate at all the liturgical rites of the Catechumenate;
6. they offer support, encouragement and explanations, when appropriate, for the Catechumen / candidate;
7. They witness to the catechumen’s/candidate’s moral character, faith and intention;
8. they provide a link with the parish community;
9. they assist in the discernment process of the catechumen/candidate.
10. they are active and supportive and help in any way possible to bring their catechumen / candidate into the church.
Breaking open the Word, and Saturday classes - ideal

55. What are the requirements for becoming a sponsor?
Be a Catholic who has been baptized, received the Eucharist, and been confirmed
Be at least sixteen years of age
Not be in an irregular marriage (make sure the marriage is blessed in the church)
Lead a life in harmony with the nature of the Church for a sponsor (regularly attend Mass, receive the Eucharist) - Practicing Catholic
Be available to attend weekly sessions for catechesis, the celebrations of liturgical rites, and other initiation related events to the best of your ability
Someone you admire because of their unquestionable faith, someone who walks closely with God, and lives their life as closely to the Gospel teachings as possible.
I do realize that no one is perfect!
According to the Catholic Catechism of the Church (#1255) “this person must also be able and ready to help the newly baptized adult on the road to Christian life”.
Also remember that you may not choose a parent to be a sponsor. We discourage spouses to be sponsors as well.

56. Can I choose a sponsor who lives far away?
Ideally a sponsor should be someone who lives nearby and that this person be a member of your parish, but this is not mandatory.
Why?
The sponsor is a person who represents the worshipping community in your parish; your sponsor speaks on the behalf of those assembled at each Rite we celebrate.
However the most important aspect of this relationship between you and your sponsor is that you can see it developing into a long-term commitment with each other. This is a person with whom you can share your faith, and other personal aspects of your life.

57. What are some things to consider?
The time commitment for a sponsor or godparent in the RCIA process is a weekly one.
Can you see this person as being there for you 100% when you need them?
Is this person someone who can celebrate your new life in Christ with you throughout the coming years?
Is this a person of prayer, who can help to guide you in the Catholic tradition?
If you can answer these questions in a positive way, then this person will be an excellent sponsor for your continuing life journey through life with the Holy Spirit as your guides.

58. What if I can’t find a sponsor?
St. Michael’s is eager to help you find a sponsor
This is someone from the parish who is willing to walk the journey with you.

59. The first prayer to learn…
Sign of the cross,
Some of you may know it already
This is a prayer we want you to commit to memory and we will look at it next week, as to why Catholics make the sign of the cross
We put them on a key ring so you can carry them with you to the table, keep them in your vehicle and refresh yourself with them throughout the week.
Notice we have different colors for them, and this week we will learn the sign of the cross.

60. What the sign of the cross?
Since we make the Sign of the Cross before and after our prayers, many Catholics don't realize that the Sign of the Cross is a prayer itself. It should be said with reverence; we shouldn't rush through it on the way to the next prayer.
Using your right hand, you should touch your forehead at the mention of the Father; the lower middle of your chest at the mention of the Son; and the left shoulder on the word "Holy" and the right shoulder on the word "Spirit."
The Sign of the Cross
"In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."

61. Look at handout together!
Next class – next Saturday 9 – 11 here in the basement
Questions, comments, concerns