RCIA is the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
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COME AND SEE...
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the process through which the Catholic Church welcomes new adult members. It has its roots in the history of the early church and is designed for adults of other faith backgrounds or those with little or no faith experiences. This journey of faith includes the study of Catholic beliefs, faith sharing, and the study of sacred scripture. If you feel God is calling you to learn more about the Catholic Church you are most welcome to “come and see” what this ministry is all about. We meet in the Teacher’s Room of St. Francis School on Sunday evenings from 7 PM to 8:30 PM. The RCIA Journey typically begins after Labor Day. For more information please leave your name, phone number or email address along with the best time to reach you at the parish office at 424-3456. If you prefer, you may call Avis Flagg directly at 623-2921.
Coordinator : Avis Flagg
RCIA at St. Francis
The RCIA Process has been an active ministry at St. Francis since 1992. We begin after Labor Day and meet weekly on Sunday evenings from 7 to 8:30 P.M. Our evenings involve discussion, questions, and teachings. We also encourage those involved to keep a journal of their own faith journey.
On the first Sunday of Advent, usually in early December, those in the process who are ready participate in the Rite of Acceptance. Here they declare their intent to respond to God's call and follow the way of Christ. At the 10 A.M. Mass and from this point onward, they are dismissed after the Homily. We do this because they are not able to share in our celebration of the Eucharist yet and so we discuss the Mass Readings and how they apply to our lives. We now refer to those in the RCIA process as either catechumens, those who are not baptized, or candidates, those already baptized.
On the first Sunday of Lent, the group celebrates the Rite of Election. Here, at the 10 A.M. Mass, they publicly declare their intent to be received into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil Mass. Later that day they are invited to a similar ceremony at St. Joseph's Cathedral where they have an opportunity to meet the bishop and to see others from throughout the state involved in the RCIA. The unbaptized in the process are now called the Elect. During Lent, those in the process receive special prayers and blessings. They are presented with the Nicene Creed and the Lord's Prayer. Their preparation intensifies.
All of this culminates at the Easter Vigil Mass with their receiving the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. Since 1994, our Parish has welcomed over 65 adults who have gone through this process.
The RCIA process continues as we meet every other week through Pentecost. This period is called “mystagogy” and helps guide our new Catholics or “neophytes” in their early days in our parish.
Meet Our Team
Prior to 1993-1994 the RCIA Program at St. Francis was lead exclusively by the pastor. Today our parish team consists of lay people of varying backgrounds along with the spiritual guidance of our pastor, Father Ray.
Avis Flagg is the Coordinator of this program in our parish. Avis was welcomed into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil at St. Francis of Assisi in Manchester on April 9, 1993. She has served as team member, co-coordinator, and coordinator since the Fall of 1993. Avis has also coordinated “The Giving Tree Program” from 1992 to 2003. She serves as a Eucharistic Minister at weekend liturgies.
Dennis Fontaine has been a RCIA Team Member since 1997, taking a brief hiatus during the 1998-1999 year. Dennis is a "Cradle Catholic" and adds a male perspective to the team. He experienced RCIA in the 1980's when his wife went through the process. Dennis serves at our weekend liturgies as leader of the Adult Folk Group Music Ministry. He also serves on the Parish Council.
Vicki Fontaine joined the RCIA Team in the fall of 2001. Vicki went through the RCIA and was welcomed into the Church at the Easter Vigil in 1983. Vicki has taught Religious Education at St. Francis and went on to become the Director where she served for over ten years. Currently Vicki is coordinating "Sisters in Faith," our women's scriputre group; as well as the Liturgical Committee. She serves at our weekend liturgies as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister; and a member of the Adult Folk Group. Vicki brings knowledge and personal experience to the team.
In 2001, the RCIA Ministry added the roles of "Prayer Partner" and Sponsor. A "prayer partner" is a parishioner who agrees to pray regularly for a specific candidate or catechumen throughout the Lenten Season. They may send cards offering support and encouragement to those on this journey of faith. They also give words of welcome to our new members at the Easter Vigil. A sponsor is an active parishioner who agrees to travel the journey of faith with a candidate or catechumen. Some in the RCIA Process have their own sponsor and others need someone to stand up for them at the various Rites and at the Easter Vigil. Each person is unique and we strive to meet their needs as they become members of the parish community at St. Francis.
