Christian Initiation of Adults
Christian Initiation of Children
For additional information on Christian Initiation, contact
Teri Burns, Director of Faith Formation tburns@strobertchurch.org 616.676.9111 ext 15
Terri Nausieda, Initiation & Adult Coordinator terrin@strobertchurch.org 616.676.9111 ext 18
RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA)
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a process that offers individuals the opportunity to learn more about the faith and teachings of the Catholic Church while they deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ.
The stages of the initiation journey are
- Inquiry – An opportunity to ask questions in order to learn more about the Catholic Christian faith
- Catechumenate – A period of apprenticeship and deeper learning about life as a Catholic Christian
- Mystagogy – Continued growth in relationship with Jesus Christ and development in living the Catholic Christian faith
If you have questions about the faith and teachings of the Catholic Church, join us for Inquiry.
After the Inquiry period, those who are looking toward full initiation into the Catholic Church participate in the period of the Catechumenate, gathering for dismissals at the 11 a.m. Mass. Dismissal sessions include reflection on the Sunday readings. Sessions for exploring foundational Church teachings are held on Monday evenings.
Full initiation into the Catholic Church is celebrated at the Easter Vigil with Mystagogy gatherings continuing throughout the season of Easter.
Inquiry: 6:30 p.m. Mondays, Sept 30 – Nov 18, 2013
Sponsor Training: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan 2, 2014
Catechumenate: 6:30 p.m. Mondays, Jan 6 – March 3, 2014
Dismissals: during 11 a.m. Sunday Masses, Jan 12 – April 13, 2014
Period of Purification & Enlightenment: 6:30 p.m. Mondays, March 10 – April 7, 2014
Retreat: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Sunday, April 13, 2014
Celebration of Sacraments at Easter Vigil: 7 p.m. Saturday, April 19, 2014
Mystagogy: Sundays, April 27 – June 8, 2014 10 – 11 am
CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF CHILDREN
Children who are age 8-18 who have not been baptized are prepared for full initiation into the Catholic Church by celebrating the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Communion. They participate in weekly faith formation classes at their grade level and also participate in sacrament preparation sessions and the rites of the RCIA.