R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)

Anyone interested in knowing more about the Roman Catholic Church and its traditions, please contact Deacon Ray at the phone number/email below:

Deacon Ray Chimileski: (908) 303-5030   /   raychim@gmail.com

The RCIA experience is the process by which people interested in learning about the Catholic Tradition begin journey of discernment that will ultimately lead to full membership into the Roman Catholic Church. This program is for those adults who have never been baptized, or were baptized in another Christian tradition, or those who were baptized Roman Catholic, but did not receive the sacraments of Holy Communion and Confirmation.

R.C.I.A.: An Explanation

How does a person become a Catholic?

Most of us who were born into a Roman Catholic family became fully integrated members of the Church over an extended period of time. Baptized as infants, we grew up in Catholic homes, received a basic religious education and were introduced to all the sacraments of the Church at different stages of our development.

Others come to the Church as adults, either already baptized in another Christian tradition or unbaptized. The former may have already experienced a religious formation in another Christian tradition and are no longer affiliated with any Church community. The latter may have enjoyed no religious affiliation or perhaps were members of a non-Christian tradition.

Many people seeking full membership in the Roman Catholic Church are responding to an invitation extended by an active member of a parish community. Others simply approach a priest or another representative of a faith community to which they are attracted.

The Roman Catholic Church professes a deep and abiding respect for other Christian and non-Christian traditions. Saint Luke Parish enjoys a warm ecumenical association with other faith communities in Long Valley. Our welcome to persons interested in the Catholic Church is intended in no way to be prejudicial to these communities or any other religious tradition.

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults is the process through which those experiencing a call to membership in the Roman Catholic Church are gradually introduced into full membership. This process is called the “Catechumenate”.

How does the Catechumenate work?

The Catechumenate is an extended period of reflection on an powerful study of the teachings of Jesus as they have been understood and lived within the tradition of the Roman Catholic Church. The Catechumenate is designed to provide an experience of Christianity within the context of a living parish community.

It also includes various liturgical rites that mark the different stages of growth and integration as catechumens (candidates) progress toward full membership.

These rites also express in a visible way, the concern and support of the entire parish community.

Hospitality and a sense of welcome are an important quality of the catechumenate process. Members of the parish community serve as welcomers and sponsers and accompany candidates as they journey toward full membership.

How is the Christian Initiation of Adults organized?

1. Period of Inquiry: This is a time for questions and information-sharing about the Catholic Church and the values of faith. Inquirers reflect on the Gospel message and the ways in which they can apply it to their own lives. This stage also offers inquirers an opportunity to share their own faith stories.

2. Period of Study: Those who profess their faith in Jesus desire to continue their journey toward full membership in the Catholic Church are invited into this next phase during which most of the teaching takes place. With the assistance of a sponsor, a catechist and other members of the parish community, the candidate learns about the Church as a community. This period begins with a liturgical rite marking the formal entrance into the catechumenate process.

3. The Rite of Election, Period of Reflection, Discernment and Decision: During a special service at the Cathedral on the first Sunday of Lent, the Bishop calls by name those who are ready to make final preparations for the Sacraments of Initiation, which will be received during Easter Vigil. During Lent, the parish community joins the candidates in their preparation and together they continue the journey toward the celebration of Easter.

Ordinarily the sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist are celebrated at the Easter Vigil on the evening before Easter. Christians who have already been baptized are formally received into full communion with the Catholic Church at the liturgy.

4. Post-baptismal Integration: A period of fifty days from Easter to Pentecost completes the initiation process. It is a special time for the newly received to find a place in the community. This is a time of integration during which the new Catholics discern their role in the Church and community.

We extend an invitation to anyone who might be interested or may know of someone who might be interested in learning about the Catholic Church to let themselves be known to us. Perhaps there are some who have not completed their sacramental journey for some reason or another. Please feel free to inquire about this marvelous process. It has been our experience through the years, that in sharing this process with many people, we have learned more about our faith than we ever could imagine.

If you would like additional information please contact: Deacon Ray Chimileski at raychim@gmail.com.