RCIA (for Adults 18 yrs and up)      

RCIA adapted for Children/Teens (ages 7 to 17)

Welcome to St Mary's Parish

RCIA PROCESS - AN ENCOUNTER WITH CHRIST

Being that you are checking out our website,

you are probably already considering being part of the faith.

 

One of the best places to start is to find a Church nearby where you live or work.

Check out that parish and see if there might be a good fit for you. 

Below is the Process that we offer here at St Mary's and the commitment involved.

Have a look at this video set out by the Archdiocese of Edmonton on 

How Do I Become a Catholic?

click here to watch video (4 min) by Liturgy Training Publications

 

Give us a call at 403-347-3114 or email us at StMarys.RedDeer@caedm.ca when you are ready and we can set up an appointment to chat.


The Rite of Christian Initiation

of

Adults & Children/Teens

is a

Journey of Faith.  

 

What does R.C.I.A. mean?

 RCIA is the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and Children/Teens.

 It is not a program or a course but a Process of Faith Formation and an Encounter with Christ. 

It is a Spiritual Journey that leads to full membership in the Catholic Church.

 

Who can tell me more?

Call the Parish Office at 403-347-3114 or email to StMarys.RedDeer@caedm.ca

RCIA (Adults) - begins in July/August with 16 sessions of Inquiry on Wednesdays @ 7pm

RCIA (for Children and Teens)- usually begins at the end of September on Wednesdays @ 5:00pm

Participants must pre-register.

 

When does the group meet?

We meet on a regular, weekly basis. (usually every Wed evenings and many Sunday Celebrations)

The length of the journey depends solely upon each individual

This is determined by interviews with the Coordinator and members of the RCIA Team. 

 

Who can be part of this Process?

Whether you are new to the faith or already Baptized in another recognized faith,

and if you are wanting to continue your journey as a Catholic,

this is the opportunity to begin and/or continue that journey.  

 

How long does this journey or process take?

 The RCIA journey is ongoing.  The length of the journey depends solely upon each individual

Adults and children who are ready to be initiated into the faith community at the Easter Vigil, have already begun their journey many months ago.

After receiving the Sacraments, they continue to journey as full members of the Catholic Church. 


The Process: 

The process is broken into four periods that focus on the faith development of the individual:

 

Pre-Catechumenate or Inquiry Period

¨     A time to “Come and See” (John 1:39)

¨     A time to ask, “Why do Catholics…?”

¨     A time to become comfortable with the group

¨     A time to discern what one is called to do

 

Catechumenate Period

¨     A time to listen to and hear God’s Word

¨     A time to learn about Catholic tradition

¨     A time of prayer

¨     A time to discover how Catholic Christians are called to live their faith

 

Period of Purification and Enlightenment

¨     A time of prayer

¨     A time to acknowledge what needs to change in one’s life

¨     A time of spiritual and personal growth

¨     A time of preparation for receiving the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil

 

Period of Mystagogia

¨     A time to reflect on our “Easter Experience”

¨     A time to deepen our understanding of the mysteries of our faith

¨     A time to savor the sacramental life that we now share with our brothers and sisters in faith

¨     A time to discern which ministry one is being called to in order to become a full and active member of St. Mary’s faith community


 Who participates in this process?

RCIA is the process by which the community passes on their faith to those seeking to learn about God, Jesus and his Church.  Members of St. Mary’s Parish accompany these people who are searching for meaning in their lives.  These individuals are willing and eager to share their faith as catechists, sponsors, journey companions or hospitality.  They offer support by sharing the journey. 

Spouses, fiancés, other family members and friends are welcome and encouraged to participate.

 

SPONSOR:

Each person requires a Sponsor. This Sponsor needs to be someone who is 16 years of age or older, and has already received the Sacraments of Baptism, 1st Eucharist and Confirmation in the Catholic Church.  A sponsor is a person from the faith community who journeys with the inquirer. 

If you feel called to share your gifts and talents with these potential members – you should consider sponsorship.  Ongoing training and support will be provided.  Contact Charmaine at 347-3114.

 

 


ACTIVITIES AND SESSIONS TO REFLECT OVER DURING THIS PANDEMIC


Download
BAPTISM OR PROFESSION OF FAITH AND EUCHARIST SESSION
Baptism and Eucharist Session 2020.docx
Microsoft Word Document 7.2 MB
Download
CONFIRMATION SESSION
Confirmation Session 2020.docx
Microsoft Word Document 3.7 MB
Download
THE WAY OF THE CROSS DURING LENT
2020 The Way of the Cross.docx
Microsoft Word Document 6.5 MB