The R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is a movement which was known in the early Church but was lost through the centuries. It took Vatican II to restore this jewel to 20th century Catholicism. What is the R.C.I.A.? Simply, it is the process of initiating new members into the church. Fr. Jim was well aware that this movement could bring renewal to his parish.
The response from most of those who were asked to become part of the "catechumenate community" was a positive one, although many felt incompetent to become catechists. But after all, "faith is caught, not taught," and with trust in the good Lord, and a bit of preparation they jumped wholeheartedly into the breach.
The Bourassas, Louise and Clyde, generously opened their home for the weekly gatherings while two other couples agreed to try to impart their faith to those inquiring about the Church. When Rosemary Lalonde was approached, she related that her brother was involved in the movement, and that he had urged her to get involved if the opportunity ever presented itself. Rosemary became the first catechist... Whenever she conducts a meeting, her husband Bert is there giving her support. Shirley and Bryce Wolff, both converts themselves, agreed to become catechists in order as they put it, to share with others the faith that had become so important in their lives. With the additional support of two young people, Brent Stuart and Carmen Schwarz, along with Donna Schneider and Cornelia Dolhaine, the team was ready to faced the first session.
That year thirteen men and women entered the Inquiry Stage, the first of four stages in the Rite. This first phase aims at welcoming the inquiries and proclaiming Jesus Christ. This is not done so much through book learning as it is through the personal faith-sharing of the inquirers and of the parishioners who comprise the community surrounding the candidates. This welcoming then is not a welcome into a theological no-man's land, but hopefully into the flesh and blood if believers.
In early November sponsors were selected to be guides and witnesses to these inquirers, to "walk" with them on their journey of faith throughout the catechumenate period and during the years that follow. That year the Rite of Enrollment was held on the First Sunday of Advent.
Moved by an initial conversion, the inquirers, now called catechumens, began the formal period of preparation in which the basic fundamentals of the spiritual life and doctrine are presented. There are four ways in which the candidate's faith is brought to maturity. First, through a presentation by Fr. Jim and the catechists of the dogmas and presents of the church. A second element in the catechumenate is the candidate's exposure to members of the Catholic community. Parishioners from every movement or organization in the parish are invited to the sessions to meet the candidates and to share with them their involvement in the work of the Church. By seeing the good example and by experiencing the charity of devout parishioners the catechumens learn most effectively how Catholics pray, care for one another, and live the gospel ethic.
The third component of the catechumenate period is participation in liturgical rites. In particular, the scriptures must become the foundation of the catechumen's life. This is the main reason for the parish's presenting the Jerusalem Bible to each one at the Rite of Enrollment.
The final element in the formation is the introduction into the apostolic life of the Church. The catechumen is expected to learn to work actively with others to spread the gospel and build up the Church. That is why catechumens are encouraged to know their talents and to get involved in the various works of charity and justice in the community.
Reference: Sr. Jean Conaty, Our History, 1986
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults is a journey for those who wish to become Catholic. Sponsors play a very important role. Not only do you walk the journey with the candidate, but you can also share your own life experiences as a Catholic. Meetings are held once a week (September to April) and run for about an hour and a half. If you would like to consider being a sponsor for someone, please call the office.
