Saint Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Parish

	Saint Vincent de Paul Parish Community
4843 Mile Stretch Drive ◊ P.O. Box # 3865 ◊ Holiday, Florida 34690 Diocese of Saint Petersburg - Blessed Sacrament Community

What is the RCIA?

RCIA is a faith formation process for those thinking about coming into full communion with the Catholic Church. It is a spiritual journey consisting of four stages with ceremonies along the way. This formation process covers the teachings of
the Church and Catholic practices. Every year thousands of adults throughout the world are welcomed into
the Catholic Community through the RCIA.
(Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)

BACKGROUND

RCIA is modeled after the ancient practices of the Church. The Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) decreed its restoration and adaptations to local traditions. The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults is a return to the way early Christian Communities welcomed new members into the Faith.

Initiation symbols: the water of baptism, the oil of confirmation and the Easter Candle which represents Christ as the Light of the World;

RCIA - Word and Eucharist: This graphic brings together the symbols of Word and Eucharist to symbolize the RCIA process. Catechumens receive Christ in the Word each Sunday during formation as "food for the journey" toward baptism, confirmation and the Eucharistic table.

Eucharist: A symbol of the Eucharist -- bread and wine commingled. Roman Catholics hold that the Eucharist is the central sacrament of Christian Life.

We believe that Christ is present under the appearances of bread and wine of the Eucharist
(John 6:53 ff). For Catholics, to receive communion
is to receive Christ Himself, increasing our individual and communal union with our Lord and His Church.

Christ Pantocrator: An image of the
Risen Christ based on Greek Orthodox iconography. As is the case with most traditional icons of this type, the Gospel is closed and jeweled.

Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults
R.C.I.A.
Director: Fran Mathews

WHO SHOULD ATTEND RCIA?

Any adult thinking about joining
the Catholic Church including:

Any adult who has never been baptized.
Adults who have been baptized in
another Christian Tradition and are
now interested in belonging to
the Catholic Church.
Baptized Catholics
who were never confirmed.

If you are in an interfaith marriage and feel now is the time to become a member of the Catholic Church then RCIA is for you too.

HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO ATTEND CLASSES?

Classes meet once a week beginning in late August or early September. At the Easter Vigil those who are prepared will celebrate the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. Those who have been baptized in another Christian Tradition are not baptized again. Classes continue for several weeks after Easter to provide a fuller and more effective understanding of the faith. These classes are informal. We want you to feel relaxed. There is nothing difficult and we encourage you to ask questions. There is no fee for the class.

You are not alone on this journey. You will be accompanied by the Priests of the Parish, the RCIA Team, your Sponsor and the entire Parish Community. A Sponsor is a Catholic adult who has received the Sacrament of Confirmation and is a practicing Catholic. Your Sponsor will participate with you in all of the RCIA activities. If you do not know anyone who would serve as your Sponsor, we will appoint one for you.

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

Please call 934 2252 or 938 1001 and give your name and telephone number. The Director will be in contact with you and arrange for an interview. Welcome!