Peter [said] to them, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers.
Acts 2: 38, 42
What is RCIA?
RCIA stands for Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. It is the process through which unbaptized persons age seven or older receive the Sacraments of Initiation. RCIA is also the process through which individuals baptized in other faiths come into full communion in the Catholic Church.
How does the RCIA process work?
The formal process follows several phases and takes a different amount of time for each individual.
A period of Inquiry (also called Precatechumenate) allows interested people to ask questions about the faith and hear the Good News.
The Catechumenate is a time to grow in the knowledge of the Catholic faith through formal classes and other formation.
Through the weeks of Lent, candidates and catechumens enter the stage of Purification and Enlightenment as they prayerfully prepare for the Easter Vigil.
During Mystagogy the person (now called a neophyte) reflects on how to live as a Catholic Christian and experiences participation in the Church in a new way.
Who is RCIA for?
The formation process is open to all even though it primarily serves those coming into the Catholic Church – whether baptized or not.
To read more about the RCIA process at Epiphany of the Lord and request further information, please download this packet.
How can I get involved?
Are you interested in being part of the RCIA process at Epiphany of the Lord?
Or do you need more information about how you can participate in the process?
You may print a volunteer info card here and return to Kathy Fech at the parish office.
How can I support the RCIA process?
RCIA Core Team: Support the Director of Faith Formation in all aspects of the RCIA process
RCIA Presenter: Present to catechumens on a particular topic
Sponsor: Walk alongside a candidate or catechumen in the RCIA process and sponsor him/her for Baptism and/or Confirmation
Leader of Breaking Open the Word: Guide catechumens through the weekly readings
Evangelist: Invite non-Catholics or those in need of sacraments to join you at Mass or parish events
Mass Buddy: Sit with inquirers during Mass and/or sit with catechumens when a sponsor is unavailable
Event Buddy: Invite neophytes to join you at parish events
Pen Pal: Send letters/cards to neophytes the first year after they join the Church
Prayer Support: Beyond regular prayers, “adopt” a candidate or catechumen to pray for
For more information:
Please contact Kathy Fech at 419-698-1519 or email kfech@epiphanyofthelord.org.
Congratulations and Welcome!
On Wednesday, August 19, 2020 six people were welcomed home to the Catholic Church. Harry Anderson, Shannon Anderson, and Brileigh Garbers received Baptism, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion. Josh Anderson, Senior and Josh Anderson, Junior were received into the Catholic Church, received Confirmation, and received First Holy Communion. Kataleena Flores received Confirmation and First Holy Communion.
Thanks to all who supported and guided them on this journey to the Sacraments of Initiation!
