The R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is the process by which adults are brought into the Catholic Church. Another name for R.C.I.A. is “The Catechumenate,” taken from a Greek word meaning, “to instruct by word of mouth.”

The R.C.I.A. in its entirety is intended for:

• Adults who have never been baptized and are considering baptism into the Catholic Faith.
• Baptized Christians of other denominations who are considering becoming Catholic.
• Baptized Catholics who have not practiced the Catholic faith as adults and/or have not received the Sacrament of Eucharist, Reconciliation and/or Confirmation.

Orientation class will be held Sunday, August 23, 2009, at 12:15pm. Weekly classes begin Monday, September 14, 2009, at 7:30pm in the Social Hall. Those who are interested in exploring membership in the Church should attend these classes. Candidates who do not have a Sponsor will be assigned one from the parish who will attend with them as a sign of the community’s welcome.

Each week we will discuss one aspect of Catholic teaching with time for discussion, reflection and prayer.

NONE! The decision belongs to each inquirer. Our role is to provide the information, experience and time to help each determine whether God is calling them to deepen their relationship with Him through the Catholic Church.

The first step is to contact Deacon Tom Beales at 410-798-6985 for more information.

If you know someone who is interested, please invite him or her to inquire.

(All sessions will be in the Social Hall, Monday evening from 7:30-9pm unless stated otherwise)

INQUIRY

August 24 Orientation - 12:15pm (Following the 11 a.m. Mass) Social Hall

September
14 Journey of Faith
21 What Do Catholics Believe?
28 What Is The Meaning of Mass?

October
5 The Bible/How Do Catholics Interpret The Bible
12 The Saints/Mary
19 Places in the Church/Who’s Who In The Church? (Tour of HFC)
26 Catholics and Prayer

November
2 Catholic Practices/Catholics And The Church
7*The Rite of Acceptance and Welcoming (5:00 p.m. Mass for Holy Family)
8*The Rite of Acceptance and Welcoming (5:00 p.m. Mass for Our Lady of Perpetual Help)
CATECHUMENATE
9 The Sacraments: An Introduction/The Sacrament Of Baptism
16 The Sacrament Of Confirmation
23 The Sacrament Of Eucharist
30 The Sacraments Of Reconciliation And Anointing Of The Sick
29 FYI The Advent Season begins
FYI Advent Penance Services (Time and place to be announced)

December
7 No Class - FYI – Parish Mission
8 No Class – Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Masses at 9am, 5pm, Children’s Mass, 7:30pm Mass in the Church.
14 Mid-Year Review Class 21 No Class
28 No Class

January
4 The Sacraments Of Marriage And Holy Orders
9 FYI Pilgrimage to the Basilica of the national Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Baltimore)
11 The People Of God/Who Is Jesus Christ?
18 The Early Church/History of the Church
25 Christian Moral Living/Social Justice

February
1 The Consistent Life Ethic/The Dignity Of Life
8 What is Lent?/Saying Yes To Jesus

LENT
15 RCIA Reconciliation Service- Holy Family Church
17 FYI Ash Wednesday (Mass Times at Holy Family 9:00 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Prayer Service - Noon); Mass times at Our Lady of Perpetual Help 9am and 7pm
FYI Stations of the Cross (February 19th, 26th, March 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th, April 2nd, (Ecumenical Stations), 7:30pm, Holy Family Church
FYI Lenten Penance Services (Time and place to be announced)
21 *Rite of Election (3:00 p.m. Place to be announced) 22 Take A Look
27 FYI Pilgrimage to the Franciscan Monastery and the national Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, DC

March
1 The Nicene Creed
7 *First Scrutiny (8:00 a.m. Mass)
8 The Way Of The Cross - Church
14 *Second Scrutiny (9:30 a.m. Mass)
15 The Lord’s Prayer
21 *Third Scrutiny (11:00 a.m. Mass)
22 The Meaning Of Holy Week
27 *Rehearsal for The Easter Vigil (2:30 to 3:30 p.m. In The Church)
29 FYI Chrism Mass At The Cathedral Of Mary Our Queen

April
Easter Triduum:
1 FYI Holy Thursday – The Lord’s Supper (7:30 p.m.)
2 FYI Good Friday – The Lord’s Passion (2:00 p.m.; 11am Children’s Service)
3 *Holy Saturday Preparation Rite (10:00 a.m./Place to be announced)
3 *Easter Vigil Mass (8:00 p.m. Mass – Reception Following Vigil Mass)

May
6 * Follow-Up Dinner – Classrooms 10 & 11 6:30 p.m. * Denotes Rite or Mass
_____________
* Denotes Rite or Mass

(Rev. 12.29.2009)

RCIA SIGN UP WEEKENDS 2010
Table in the Narthex the following weekends:
To be determined.