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Saint Paul Catholic Church
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241 South Main Street North Canton, Ohio 44720
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RCIA....a journey toward a deeper relationship with God, a spiritual journey of growth within, supported by a community of faith.
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Information Contact: Judy Piero,Parish Office at (330)499-2201 ext. 331
The letters "RCIA" stand for the "Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults" (and teens) a process by which adults/teens are initiated into the Roman Catholic faith.
The RCIA draws its model from the "catechumenate" of the ancient Church. Becoming Christian in the early days of the Church involved a sharp break with the surrounding culture. New Christians entered into the joy of new life and into a life-sharing community of faith a new way of living which demanded deep commitment and entailed great risks. So also in today's society, our faith continues to demand deep commitment....our beliefs and the beliefs of our society are often challenged.
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults(and teens) consists of four periods of awakening, growth and formation marked by celebration of three major rites involving the whole St. Paul community.
INQUIRY
During this first period of the journey, members study, pray and become familiar with the Catholic traditions. With formal presentations, general discussions including time to question and reflect, they move toward the first major Rite in RCIA.
RITE OF ACCEPTANCE
In December at Sunday Mass, inquirers enter the second period of the journey, the "Catechumenate". At this formal rite, The Rite of Acceptance, inquirers are recognized and welcomed by the whole St. Paul community. The word catechumenate means "time of study" for those who have not yet been baptized...or for candidates...those who have been baptized, but have not yet received the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation. Together they begin to attend Sunday After the homily, they are dismissed to study and reflect on the rSunday readings.
Catechumens and candidates do not travel alone during this period. Sponsors act as spiritual companions, providing personal support, sharing experiences of Christian life and examples of Catholic living.
PERIOD OF DECERNMENT
RITE OF SENDING AND ELECTION
On the first Sunday of Lent, those on the journey gather at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Canton along with all other Catholic churches in Stark County to be welcome by the Bishop of Youngstown as they approach the final season of their study towards full communion into the Catholic faith. During the Saturday evening mass before the First Sunday of Lent, the catechumens and candidates are sent forth to join with other Stark County parishes to meet with the Bishop in the Rite of Sending.
PERIOD OF PURIFICATION AND ENLIGHTMENT
THE THREE SCRUTINIES
This time is a period of final preparation and discernment, a period of prayer, fasting and reflection for both the catechumens, now known as the Elect and the candidates. On the third, fourth and fifth Sundays of Lent during Mass, the Elect experience scrutinies and exorcisms, special rites sealing their turning away from sin in preparation for baptism. During this period the candidates receive the sacrament of Reconciliation.
RECEPTION/FULL COMMUNION
EASTER SATURDAY VIGIL MASS
The candidates and the Elect are initiated through the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation into full communion into the Catholic Church during the Easter Vigil liturgy. On that night, when the light of Christ drives out the darkness of evil, joyful sounds fill the silence, all proclaim and renew their resurrection hope, the Elect culminate their long journey in the waters of Baptism...then with the candidates, the newly baptized are sealed with the oil of Confirmation and share the bread and wine of the Eucharist as full members of the Roman Catholic community.
If you're interested in exploring the Catholic faith more deeply, please contact the RCTA director at the parish office.
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