If you, or anyone you know, are interested in finding out more about the Catholic faith, the RCIA is where it all happens. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults was instituted following the Second Vatican Council as the process through which non-baptized persons and baptized Christians of other denominations enter the Catholic Church.

This process begins with a period of inquiry (the initial question-asking and faith-sharing phase), which moves into the catechumenate phase. This second phase provides formation in the teaching, spirituality and life of the Church and gives prospective members an opportunity to explore in greater depth the beauty of our Catholic traditions, teachings and liturgical life. 

The RCIA is not just another name for the instruction classes that were offered 20 years ago; it is a disciple-making process through which participants begin to conform their lives to Christ and his Church. Catechesis (instruction in the faith) is an important element of the process since it facilitates the intellectual conversion of potential members. However, the RCIA is about much more than "head knowledge;" it is about devel-oping an intimate relationship with the God who loved us into being. The RCIA is about discernment and conversion, with an essentially twofold goal: to develop (or deepen) one's relationship with Jesus Christ, and to experience Christ as he is present to us in prayer, in the Sacraments, and in the community of believers. 

The four-stage RCIA process contains within it the following elements:

• proclaiming the Gospel;
• handing on or "echoing" the tradition of the Church (catechesis);
• sharing in the liturgical worship of the community;
• experiencing private and communal prayer; and
• building faith-based relationships with sponsors and others in the parish.

The RCIA process provides spiritual renewal for the entire parish as well as for those seeking to join the Church. Likewise, the process belongs to the parish, not to the director or the team, since it is the parish that provides the experience of lived and shared faith. To find out more about the RCIA process at St. Robert Bellarmine Parish, email Debbie at dsthiede@parishmail.com or call 659-2501.

When does St. Robert's RCIA meet?  The RCIA meets on Thursday evenings from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Second shifters who can't make evening sessions can arrange to attend a Flint-region daytime program. 

Summer inquiry sessions are scheduled on an as-needed basis. To find out about summer dates and times or to schedule an appointment with our Adult Formation Director, call the parish office at  659-2501 or email dsthiede@parishmail.com.

How long does it take to become Catholic?

As stated earlier, the RCIA is a process, not a program. It is the means by which
the Church ministers to those considering membership. The Church recognizes that some people will need more time than others to prepare for the lifetime com-mitment that comes with initiation into the Catholic Faith. Also, prior marriages and the necessity of seeking annulments may at times slow down a person's sacramen-tal reception into the Church. The usual length of preparation, however, is about one year.  In most cases, initiation takes place at the Easter Vigil. 

When and how can I begin the RCIA?
 
Anyone interested in inquiring into the faith can call the parish office and ask to speak to the Debbie Thiede, St. Robert's Adult Formation Director (810-659-2501). Entrance into the RCIA process is as individual as each person who inquires. Some may come from another Christian denomination with an extensive knowledge of Catholic tradition and belief, while others may have little knowledge or experience of Christian thought and practice. How long the process takes depends upon the unique background of each person. Together, the RCIA director and the inquirer will assess the individual's readiness to move to the next stage of the process.

Where did the RCIA process come from?

In the context of the Church's 2000 year history, the RCIA process is very young.
Born out of the renewals of the Second Vatican Council (Vatican II), the RCIA was designed as a disciple-making process. Though it may be in its infancy, the roots of the RCIA reach back into the early centuries when the catechumenate was an important part of initiation into the Christian community. In 1988, less than 20 years ago, the Catholic Bishops of the United States directed that all adults entering the Church should follow the process set forth in the Adult Rite of Christian Initiation.

A main feature of the Rite is its emphasis on the connection between the three sacraments of Christian initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist (Holy Communion). The usual time for reception into the Church is at the Easter Vigil, the evening before Easter Sunday, but adults can be received into the Church at other times as well. When adults are received into the Church, they will receive all the sacraments needed at the same liturgy (public celebration). Adults already baptized in another faith tradition are not "rebaptized," but instead make a profession of faith then are Confirmed and make their First Communion.  
   
Who is the RCIA  for?

•        A non-baptized person wanting to become Catholic                           
•        A baptized Christian who desires joining the Catholic Church
•        A baptized Catholic who has not celebrated any other Sacraments   

 

The Reception of children into the Church at St. Robert Parish

If you have a child of catechetical age (7 or older) who would like to be baptized or who has already been baptized in another denomination, but would like to become Catholic or who has already been baptized in the Catholic Church but has not celebrated any other sacraments and has not had any formal religious education, please call the religious education office to find out how we can help you.  The RCIC process will introduce your child to the Catholic Church: it’s community of worship, prayer, and service.    Sessions are held during the 9:30 a.m. Sunday liturgy. 

 **For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Debbie Thiede
at 810-659-2501 or dsthiede@parishmail.com.