Sacraments

RCIA/RCIC

RCIA 2007-08 Calendar

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults/Rite of Christian Initiation of Children is the name of the process by which adults and children of catechetical age are baptized or welcomed into the church. 

RCIA sessions start in the fall of each year and run until Pentecost. These sessions are held on Thursday evenings starting at 7:00 p.m. The format is as follows:

  • Prayer

  • Topic Presented

  • Social Break

  • Table Discussion

The reading materials for the program include the Scriptures as well as several handouts per week. In general, RCIA sessions are divided by periods of advancement marked by church rites.

 The Pre-Catechumenate period runs throughout the fall and is marked by an entrance rite on the first Sunday of Advent. During the Pre-Catechumenate, candidates are introduced in a very general way to most aspects of Catholic Teachings. 

The Catechumenate period is characterized by serious study and introduction to the prayer life of the Church. In particular, candidates in this stage can be seen participating in the mass and attending other prayer services. This period ends with the Rite of Election, celebrated with the Bishop at the Cathedral

The period of Enlightenment runs for the forty days of Lent and it is marked by serious reflection on the part of the candidates. This stage focusing on the Elect’s deepening awareness of their relationship with God.  This period ends with the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation at the Ester Vigil.

The final stage is the period of Mystagogia. This period of reflection and growth never fully ends. This period is marked by an awareness that all of us are called to a continued deepening of our faith and our faith lives.

RCIC sessions here at St. Pius X are geared toward the individual child’s needs. 

This Sacrament marks the welcoming of the newest members to the Catholic Christian Community. The parish regularly has Baptisms on the second and fourth Sundays of each month at 1:15 p.m. Preparation classes are provided for parents on godparents on the third Tuesday of each month starting at 7:30 p.m. St. Pius X offers two types of classes. The first class is for first time parents and focuses solely on the responsibilities as well as the privileges incurred by having one’s child baptized. The second type of class is for what we call experienced parents. This class focuses not only on the Baptism of the expected infant, but also on the other children in the family and creating within the home environment a place where the Catholic faith will be nourished. These classes are offered on alternate months. It is highly recommended that parents attend the correct class before the birth or their child or the arrival of their adopted child. Parents desiring to have their child baptized here at St. Pius X are expected to be active registered parishioners here. Children from other parishes are baptized with the permission of the family’s current pastor.

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