The RCIA is similar to an inquiry class where you ask questions, discuss and study the complexity of the Catholic faith. The RCIA gives you the opportunity to explore the bible, Tradition, the sacraments, morality, prayer, liturgy, the saints, Mary, the Church, church history, the papacy, social justice, salvation, etc. (See “topics” p. 4)

The RCIA process is a journey that you take at you own pace and continue or cease at your discretion.

We normally meet twice a month on the first and third Wednesday (from August 23, 2006 to May 16, 2007) at 6:30PM in the church’s family room.
• The number of classes per year consists of 17 to 20; each class lasts an hour and a half.
• Participants are expected to read 3 to 4 “Catholic Updates” prior to each class.
• If you are interested in participating, contact Tom McHugh at Our Lady of Lourdes at the parish office at 223-8410.

The FIRST STEP
Meeting with the director of religious education (Tom McHugh at 223-8410 ) ordinarily is the first step in the journey toward becoming a Catholic or learning about the Church.

Time Period of Inquiry:
This is a time of introduction to the Catholic Faith and gospel of Jesus Christ and a time of reflection on one’s own life in light of the values of the reign of God. It is an opportunity for the beginnings of Christian faith to form.

Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens:
Those who wish to become catechumens publicly express their desire to follow the way of Jesus. The Church welcomes them into the household of faith as catechumens (un-baptized) or candidates (baptized). This takes place at Sunday mass on the first Sunday of Advent, four weeks before Christmas.

Time Period of the Catechumenate:
The catechumens and their teachers continue to study and ponder the scriptures and the teachings of the church. Through prayer, learning and meeting Catholic Christians, they discover the love and power of God in their lives and in the Church.

Election or Enrollment of Names: (February or March)
This liturgical rite is usually celebrated at Mass on the First Sunday of Lent. The catechumens/candidates express their desire for the sacraments of initiation. From this time, they are called the “elect”.

Time Period of Purification and Enlightenment:
This time of preparation takes place during Lent. The elect focus on conversion, scrutinize their lives in light of the gospel and are given a copy of the Nicene Creed and Lord’s Prayer.

Reception of Sacraments of Initiation: (Easter Vigil, Saturday Evening before Easter Sunday)
The elect become full members of the Body of Christ, the Catholic Church, through the celebration of the sacraments of Baptism (or profession of Faith by those baptized in another faith), Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. From this time, they are known as “neophytes”, "new sprouts."

Time Period of Mystagogy:
During the season of Easter, neophytes ponder the experience and meaning of the sacraments and participate with the Faithful in the Eucharistic life of the church and its mission.

TOPICS DISCUSSED IN RCIA CLASSES :

Abortion Anointing the Sick Beatitudes Bible Catechism of  the- Catholic Church Catholic Morality Changing Images of- God Christian--- Spirituality Church History Confirmation Conversion Creed Deacons Today Death Penalty End Times Ethic of Life Eucharist Examination of Conscience Faith Essentials Six Stages of Faith --Development Faithful Citizens Forgiveness in Our Church God God’s Love Gospel of Life Grace Holy Spirit How God Invites Us- to  Grow, Human Sexuality Catholics Worship Images? Infallibility and Church Authority In Support of Life

In Search of the Real MaryJesus Christ Last Things Lay Ministry The Lectionary Lent –40 days The Liturgical Year Liturgy of the- Eucharist-Mass Marriage Mary of Nazareth Mission of Christ New Look at the RCIA 100 Years of Social- Teaching OUR FATHER Papacy In A World-- of  Change Parish Ministry Participating Fully at Mass Pathways of Prayer The Poor Popular Bible Guide Prayer The Real Presence- The Resurrection Rosary, a Prayer Roman Curia Sacrament of  Baptism Sacrament of the Eucharist Sacrament of Holy Orders Sacrament of Marriage Sacrament of Reconciliation Sacramentals Sacraments of Initiation

Saints Seven Disciplines Seven Key Trends of the Church Sin Single Catholics Stem Cell Research Sunday Mass Ten Commandments Ten Tips for Confession Tour of a Catholic Church TRADITION in the- Catholic Church The Trinity Understanding Sin Vocations Vatican II A Walk through the Mass What are- sacraments? What does it means to “Be Church? What is the Kingdom of - God? What it means to be SAVED What the Church teaches - about Homosexuality Whole Bible at a Glance Why become a Priest? Why must I suffer? Why Church opposes assisted suicide? Your Conscience

For more information...contact
Tom McHugh @ 223-8410.