R.C.LA. - RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a process whereby adult men and women respond to a call in which they are formed at the hands of the local community around the word of God. This process invites men and women to reflect and welcome God's invitation to embrace life in the Catholic Christian community, thus serving the mission of Jesus in the world today. The RCIA is a sacramental journey or process of initiation into the church: a process of discerning and ritualizing stages of conversion, leading to the initiation sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. The RCIA reflects a sacramental attitude that is at the heart of all Christian living: conversion. From this experience of conversion (a turning of the whole person to God), one is empowered by the Spirit to embrace lives of charity, service, and justice as witnesses to the reign of God. The RCIA journey is divided into various periods that respect the individual's journey of faith. These periods of initiation formation are marked by community celebrations that serve as transitions or steps through the rite. In essence, the RCIA helps facilitate the experience of God for those seeking full initiation into the Catholic community.

R.C.LT. - RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF TEENS

In the fall of 1997, a program geared towards teens interested in learning about, and possibly receiving, the Sacraments of Initiation was implemented. We started with three team members (Joe Van Humbeck, Michelle Pinchs and Danielle Valleau) who helped head our Tuesday night sessions and sponsor our teen catechumens/candidates. Three teens were initiated at the Easter Vigil, three received the Sacrament of Confirmation.