St. Mary of the Assumption Parish

Northampton, Massachusetts

What is RCIA and who may attend?

RCIA stands for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and is the means by which the Catholic Church presents her teachings to a variety of people, most of whom are interested in joining the Church. Many are drawn to Catholic doctrine and are eventually brought into the Church, and we welcome everyone with open arms.

The RCIA Team contact is Joe Bialek; please call him to find out how you can start your journey to the Catholic Faith. He may be reached at 584-9086, or call the religious education office, 586-1111.

RCIA meets on Wednesday nights from 7:00 - 9:00 PM in St. Mary's Rectory,  September - May.

Schedule for Fall 2005

Schedule for Epiphany - Easter Vigil 2006

Holy Week Schedule

How long is the preparation period?

There are some who discern that God is calling them to become Catholic. These candidates go through various rites in the Church. Since each person is unique, it may take one person longer than another to feel ready to be brought into full communion with the Catholic Church; indeed, it takes as long as it takes. We firmly believe that each person moves at his or her pace. On average the preparation period is one to two years.

When a person first begins RCIA, one is called an "inquirer" because of the initial questions and, perhaps, misconceptions one has about the Catholic Church. We seek to answer questions and clarify points in this first stage.

When the inquirer continues to feel called by God to the Catholic Church, he or she then proceeds through the first Rite, the Rite of Acceptance or the Rite of Welcoming. The Rite is "Acceptance" for those who have not yet been baptized in any church and "Welcoming" for those who are already joined to Christ's Church by virtue of their baptism. The Catholic Church accepts as valid a baptism from any denomination at which water and the Trinitarian form ("I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit") are used.

The Rite of Acceptance/Welcoming is a beautiful liturgical rite, "...marking the beginning of the Catechumenate proper, as the candidates express and the Church accepts their intention to respond to God's call to follow the way of Christ" (RCIA, 14). It is appropriate for one's sponsor to be present at this ceremony. If one uses the analogy of a couple moving toward marriage, one can say that the person and the Church are now officially "dating". Note that participation in this ceremony does not necessarily mean that the person is convinced that he or she will join the Church, but it is a step in that direction.

After participating in this Rite, the person is now in the Period of Catechumante/Candidacy. Those who have yet to be baptized are referred to as "catechumens", that is, one who is receiving formal instruction in the Catholic faith, whereas baptized Christians are referred to as "candidates". This stage intends to provoke a response in the minds and hearts of the hearers of the Word of God, so that the entire life of the catechumens and candidates might be transformed by the Gospel they have come to understand.

At this point, a catechumen/candidate ought to decide on a sponsor, if he or she has yet to do so. Although "significant others" are most welcome to attend RCIA classes, we recommend that your sponsor not be your significant other. We make this request since most likely the catechumen/candidate already talks to their significant other about spiritual matters, and by asking another person, the catechumen/candidate may broaden his or her spiritual family.

Third Period: Purification and Enlightenment

As the catechuman/candidate continues to learn about the Catholic faith and to pray about the decision to join the Church, he or she must then make a decision about taking the next step in the journey to Catholicism. This step, called the Rite of Election/Call to Continuing Conversion, is similar to being engaged, using the previous analogy. The Rite of Election/Call to Continuing Conversion takes place at Saint Michael's Cathedral in Springfield. The group is formally welcomed by the Bishop. The non-baptized (catechumens) participate in the Rite of Election and are now called "The Elect", a biblical term referring to those God has chosen to be His own. The Call to Continuing Conversion refers to the baptized, still called "candidates", who wish to continue to follow Christ and participate in His Church's mission.

During this intense time of conversion, the Church looks for progress in spiritual formation in the Elect/Candidate and encourages him or her to eliminate what is weak and sinful and affirm what is holy in their life. Here, final preparation for the celebration of the initiation sacraments is done.

Fourth Period: Postbaptismal Catechesis or Mystagogy

This fourth period takes place after the Sacraments of Initiation and the Rite of Reception into Full Communion of the Catholic Church. This time is referred to as Mystagogy, derived from mystery....that is, the Mystery of all that God has given us through His Son, Jesus. It is a time where the newly-initiated continue to dwell on this great mystery and be nourished, especially through the deepening of sacramental life, with emphasis in the Gospel, the Eucharist, and Mission. The new members are called neophytes, which means "newly planted", so that the seed now planted within them will be deeply rooted. This period ends at the one-year anniversary of initiation.

Children's Program (RCIC)

This program (Rite of Christian Initiation of Children) meets on Wednesday from 4:30-5:30 PM. RCIC program is for older children who have not been baptized or have not received First Holy Communion. The children are prepared to receive the sacraments at the Easter vigil.

Rite of Christian Initiation

Christian Initiation is completed once the Elect/Candidates receive the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.

Team Members

At all RCIA sessions there will be team members who are there to provide support and answer any questions that you may have about the Catholic Faith.  New team members are accepted through an interview process with the current Team members. If you would like to be a team member please call Joe Bialek at 584-9086 to arrange an interview with the Team.

A Final Message

The preparation time from September through the Easter Vigil, is a journey of faith. It is an exciting process which will be transforming. St. Mary's RCIA program is intended to prepare you for entering the Catholic Church. It is a formal but relaxed program. You will be called upon to share and deepen your faith with others who are on the same journey into the Catholic faith.

RCIA Schedule 2003 - 2004