St. Mary Catholic Church

RCIA

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) @ St. Mary
Our practice of RCIA is grounded in the vision and theology of the rite, where the community gathers to uphold and support those on the journey to initiation.  To find out more about RCIA at St. Mary or if you are interested in being part of our RCIA team, please contact Deacon Joe Stofleth.

Period of Inquiry or Precatechumate
Through a series of meetings with adults who have expressed an interest in the Catholic Church, we welcome open and informal discussions about Catholic faith values.  During this time, Inquirers meet with members of the RCIA Team.  The RCIA team listens to their stories and connects them with faith stories found in Scripture and in the tradition of the church.

Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens and the Period of the Catechumenate
When Inquirers decide to begin a more formal study of the Catholic Church, we welcome them publicly at a liturgical rite. As Catechumens, they begin a formal study of the church, prayed through Word, Community, Worship, and Service. If the Inquirers have already been baptized, they are considered Candidates and follow the same course of study. Study gatherings are scheduled weekly and usually last for a full liturgical year. This time of preparation leads to the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist, which are celebrated at the Easter Vigil.

Rite of Election & the Call to Continuing Conversion:
The Period of Purification and Enlightenment
At the beginning of Lent, Catechumens and Candidates are invited to be presented to the larger church and the Bishop.  Catechumens and Candidates—now the Elect—from throughout the diocese begin a time of intense prayer.  Special prayers & rituals, such as the Scrutinies, are prayed publicly for the Elect every Sunday during Lent.

Initiation and Mystagogy
After the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation, the new members, now called Neophytes, enter into a period of mystagogy.  During this time, they uncover the depths and mystery of God’s presence.  The heart of this period of mystagogy is the Sunday Eucharist and the reflection that follows.