The Process

We meet on Sundays from 9 AM till 11:00 AM. We begin at the 9 AM mass. Our priest dismisses us after the readings and his homily with a special prayer of dismissal. We then go to the Monsignor Melancon Building for prayer, teaching, reflection, discussion, and fellowship. From time to time, we will have excursions, watch movies, and enjoy dinners together.

What is the RCIA?

The RCIA, which stands for Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, is a process through which non-baptized men and women enter the Catholic Church. It includes several stages marked by study, prayer and rites at Mass. Participants in the RCIA are known as catechumens. They undergo a process of conversion as they study the Gospel, profess faith in Jesus and the Catholic Church, and receive the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Holy Eucharist. The RCIA process follows the ancient practice of the Church and was restored by the Second Vatican Council as the normal way adults prepare for baptism. In 1974 the Rite for Christian Initiation for Adults was formally approved for use in the United States.

Our RCIA Books

We use the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults.  It is an excellent resource for the preparation of catechumens in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and for ongoing catechesis of adults.

For scripture study, we use the New American Bible (Paperback).  This Bible is available online for you at the U.S. Catholic Bishops' website.  The Vatican also provides this Bible online.  Daily Bible readings can be downloaded to your computer, MP3 player or iPod.

In addition to the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults and the Bible, we use the Pocket Handbook of Christian Apologetics by Professor Peter Kreft and Fr. Ronald K. Tacelli, S.J.

 

I. INQUIRY PERIOD

During this time you have been "inquiring" into Christianity in the Catholic Tradition by touring our church, attending catechetical sessions with us, getting to know and trust one another, and being introduced to the parish family of St. Catherine of Siena. This is also referred to as the Precatechumenate Period.

II. CATECHUMENATE PERIOD

This is the second period of the RCIA Process which involves more intense preparation in word, worship, community life and apostolic works. One example of this is BREAKING OPEN THE WORD.

The RITE OF ACCEPTANCE marks your step in moving from the INQUIRY PERIOD to a commitment or intention to change your lives in order to enter into a deeper relationship with God in Christ. At this time you may start a practice of calling upon God in prayer to assist you in this process. During this RITE, you will gather before the community of St. Catherine of Siena Parish at the 9 AM Mass, to declare your intention or desire to continue your quest to become a Catholic or confirmed catholic. (Note: where and how we gather will be addressed in a separate handout to follow). During the second part of this brief RITE, following the Homily, you will be invited to approach the altar, receive a Bible, and remain facing the altar until the deacon or priest has addressed questions concerning your desire to continue.

(These questions and the responses expected of you, plus further instructions, will be given to you in a separate handout, but questions will be similar to the following example):

Question: What do you ask of God's Church?

Response: To be accepted as a candidate for Catechetical instruction leading to confirmation and Eucharist. In addition to questions and responses, the catechumens will receive a signing of the cross on their forehead by the celebrant as well as their sponsor as instructed by the celebrant.

Following this Rite, the catechumens and non-Catholic Candidates are "dismissed" from the mass in order to "Break Open The Word" (The Word is the Gospel reading for that day). "Dismissal" from the mass is simply a procession where you walk behind the person carrying the Bible, and proceed as a group to the Melancon Center for a bible study of that day's gospel reading. (Sponsors remain in church as well as Catholics who have already received the sacrament of Holy Communion).

IMPORTANT: On the day of the Rite of Acceptance, following the Breaking Open The Word session, you will remain in the Melancon Center for a reception where the entire congregation is invited to come and meet you. Refreshments will be served.

Otherwise, on the Sundays to follow, you will be dismissed to Break Open the Word in the Melancon Center, and your sponsor will join you (when mass is over) for the usual Catechetical Session.

III. PURIFICATION AND ENLIGHTENMENT PERIOD

Following the Rite of Sending and the Rite of Election, you enter the third RCIA Phase -- The Period of Purification and Enlightenment (coincides with Lent). This is a period of more intense spiritual preparation -- a more interior reflection intended to purify the minds and hearts of the "elect". A deeper knowledge of Christ Our Savior will be sought through continued fellowship, study, and the celebration of three scrutinies.

The scrutinies are rites that deepen our resolve to hold fast to Christ, and to love God above all. Based on scripture readings and reflection, we search through the theme of repentance in preparation for the reception of the sacraments of initiation. On Holy Saturday (the Easter Vigil) you will take part in the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist -- the culminating point in your Christian initiation.

IV. MYSTAGOGY PERIOD

The Mystagogy Period, or the final period, is a time for continued faith growth and a time to join the St. Catherine community. It will be discussed in more detail at church.

REGISTER IN ST. CATHERINE OF SIENA'S PARISH

To register as a member of St. Catherine of Siena's Parish please fill out the online form or call (504) 835-9343.

RCIA TEAM

Fr. Eugene Jacques, Deacon Don Richard, RCIA Coordinator Kurt Garcia, Natalie Harless, and Matthew Barzare are members of the RCIA team.  Matthew is a seminarian from Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans.