1. 1 RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS RCIA begins on Sunday, September 7, 2014 at the 8:00am Mass. Call Gene Gallant, RCIA Coordinator at 618.394.7706 or email at gallafos@charter.net for more information.gallafos@charter.net “The Rite of Christian Initiation is designed for adults who, after hearing the mystery of Christ proclaimed, consciously and freely seek the living God and enter the way of faith and conversion as the Holy Spirit opens their hearts. The Rite of Christian Initiation is suited to the spiritual journey of adults, which varies according to the many forms of God’s grace, the free cooperation of the individuals, the action of the Church, and the circumstances of time and place.” Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults Section 1 and 5.

2. 2 RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS RCIA at Holy Trinity is designed for:  Un-baptized adults seeking full initiation into the Catholic Church (catechumens)  Baptized Christians from other denominations seeking full communion with the Catholic Church (candidates)  Baptized Catholics who want to complete their Christian initiation with Eucharist and Confirmation (candidates) The RCIA process is a spiritual journey of the candidates together with their godparents, sponsors and other parishioners which helps them grow in their faith, build and live as a community and discern God’s call in their lives. Because of the different backgrounds and life situations people are coming from, as well as their different needs, we try to keep the process flexible so that everyone can find their place in it.

3. 3 RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS  Period of Inquiry – Precatechumenate / Evangelization  A time of sharing the Gospel and of planting the seeds of faith  An open forum of discussion and questions about Catholic Christian faith  A period of self-exploration open to everyone with no commitment necessary  Inquiry sessions are held every weekend in the Parish Center.  Topics covered are: -Journey of Faith- What do Catholics Believe? - Meaning of the Mass- The Bible - How do Catholics interpret the Bible- The Saints - Mary- Places in the Church - Who’s Who in the Church- Catholics and Prayer - Catholic Practices- Catholics and Church The idea of faith sharing and its importance are introduced from the very beginning: inquiry sessions are started and/or finished with prayer that models the faith sharing that will be done throughout the catechumenate. Rite of Acceptance and Welcoming The period of inquiry formally ends with a half-day retreat and the Rite of Acceptance and Welcoming. The Church accepts the unbaptized into the Order of Catechumens and welcomes the baptized candidates seeking full communion with the Catholic Church during a ritual celebration at a weekend Mass.

4. 4 RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS  Period of Catechumenate  Nurturing the seeds of faith, catechumens and candidates celebrate the Liturgy of the Word on Sundays.  This period reflects on Scripture and Prayer with reflection and study of Church teachings  Its length depends on personal readiness to proceed to the Sacraments of Initiation  Inquiry sessions are held every weekend in the Meeting Room.  Topics covered are: -The Sacraments- The People of God - Who is Jesus Christ?- The Early Church - History of the Church- Christian Morality - Social Justice- Consistent Life Ethic - The Dignity of Life- What is Lent? - The Meaning of Holy Week- Saying Yes to Jesus “Breaking Open the Word” – Reflection and Faith sharing sessions from Sunday’s readings conducted in the Parish Center after dismissal from Mass every week throughout the year – attended by all in the RCIA process.

5. 5 RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS  Rite of Sending and Rite of Election  Rite and the Call to Continuing Conversion  First Sunday of Lent  Responding to God’s call, the catechumens and candidates express their desire and readiness to receive the Sacraments  Through the bishop, the Church recognizes God’s elect and those called to continuing conversion  Journey to the Cathedral with others from the Diocese – over 200 are called each year

6. 6 RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS  Period of Purification and Enlightenment (Lenten Season)  It is a time of intense preparation for the Sacraments of Initiation through constant prayer  Together with the parish community, the elect focus on conversion and examine their lives in the light of the Gospel We celebrate the 3 scrutinies; they are reflected upon after their celebration at Sunday Mass (during the Breaking Open the Word sessions); the reading is opened up and the elect are invited to reflect on their lives in the light of the Gospel readings.  The Woman at the Well  The Blind Man  Lazarus

7. 7 RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS  Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation -- Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation  At the Easter Vigil celebration the Elect become full members of the Church, the Body of Christ.  The group attends each celebration of the Holy Triduum. They are encouraged to participate in the Washing of the Feet on Holy Thursday. On Good Friday they participate at the entire service. On Holy Saturday they meet for a rehearsal for the Easter Vigil.  Prior to the Easter Vigil, the group along with their sponsors attends an all day retreat on the weekend of Palm Sunday. As part of the retreat we celebrate a reconciliation service and the Elect and their sponsors are invited to go to individual confession.

8. 8 RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS  Period of Mystagogy  This is a time of being led into the Mystery of God by living the Pascal Mystery of Christ’s dying and rising  It is a time for growth in faith and integration into parish life  It requires full participation in the life of the church and its mission for justice and peace  Sessions are held every Sunday from 9:00am to 10:00am in the Meeting Room with our last session offered on the Feast of Pentecost. There is no dismissal or Breaking of the Word.  Topics covered are: - Conversion: Lifelong Process- Called to Build God’s Kingdom - Your Special Gifts- Family Life - Prayer Life- Discernment - Holiness- Evangelization