Parish Religious Education

RCIA 2006

Contact the Parish offices at (773) 539-7510 for information of this year's programs.

RCIA Overview, 2004-2005

St. Matthias  and Queen of Angels

RCIA, the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, is a restoration of the ancient practice, which began around 350, as a way for the Church to welcome adults into the Community of Believers. It enables people to either embrace the Faith for the first time or it helps those baptized as Catholics to complete their faith formation. It is a process of discerning the ritualizing stages of conversion leading to sacramental initiation. It is the parish community through its witness, worship, service and catechesis that offers the invitation and support necessary for men and women to be initiated in the Church. It is a time of inquiry, learning, prayer and discovery of community. Those participating have the opportunity to ask questions about the Church and to hear about the message of Jesus Christ and how it is lived out in the Catholic Church.  Click here for complete syllabus:

RCIA - An Invitation to Come and See! -- Wednesday, September 8, 2004 at 7:00PM in the Ministry Center

RCIA stands for Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. It is the Catholic Church’s way of initiating new members. RCIA is much more than a program. It is a learning and loving process in which conversion of the heart brings one to Jesus Christ. It is an answer to the Gospel invitation in Mathew 11:28-30: “Come to me, all you who are weary and find life burdensome, and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon your shoulders and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart. Your souls will find rest, for my yoke is easy and my burden light.”

RCIA is an opportunity
-- For those who have not been baptized.
-- For those who have been baptized, but have little affiliation with, and/or training in the Catholic religion.
-- For those who want to learn and ask questions about the Catholic faith.

Through weekly gatherings, those attending gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of the Catholic beliefs and practices. All are welcome, and there is no obligation to make any commitment to become Catholic.

Sometimes, those of us who have been Catholic our whole lives forget to offer this information to others who may interested in becoming Catholic. We just assume that if they are interested, they will find their own way. However, extending an invitation to relatives, friends, and neighbors, in a gentle way, might be just the opportunity that they are waiting for. They may be ready, but are not sure how to make an inquiry. However, if they are not ready today, you may have planted a seed that will grow and bloom into a decision some time in the future.

Feel free to invite
-- Those who may be searching.
-- Those who have never been baptized as Christians.
-- Those who have been baptized in another Christian faith tradition and are now interested in the Catholic faith.
-- Those who were baptized in the Catholic faith, but did not receive First Communion and/or Confirmation.

The first gathering is for information and inquiry, not commitment. It will take place on Wednesday, September 8, 2004 at 7:00PM in the Ministry Center (4412 N Western). If you have any questions, please call me at 773-769-4986 ext. 24 and leave your name and number. I will return your call.

Sister Mary Ann Sutton

What Is RCIA?

RCIA stands for Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. It is the Catholic Church’s way of initiating new members. RCIA is much more than a program. It is a learning and loving process in which conversion of the heart brings one to Jesus Christ. It is an answer to the Gospel invitation in Mathew 11:28-30: “

Come to me, all you who are weary and find life burdensome, and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon your shoulders and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart. Your souls will find rest, for my yoke is easy and my burden light.”

RCIA, is a restoration of the ancient practice, which began around 350, as a way for the Church to welcome adults into the Community of Believers. It enables people to either embrace the Faith for the first time or it helps those baptized as Catholics to complete their faith formation. It is a process of discerning the ritualizing stages of conversion leading to sacramental initiation. It is the parish community through its witness, worship, service and catechesis that offers the invitation and support necessary for men and women to be initiated in the Church. It is a time of inquiry, learning, prayer and discovery of community. Those participating have the opportunity to ask questions about the Church and to hear about the message of Jesus Christ and how it is lived out in the Catholic Church.

RCIA is an opportunity
· For those who have not been baptized.
· For those who have been baptized, but have little affiliation with, and/or training in the Catholic religion.
· For those who want to learn and ask questions about the Catholic faith.

Through weekly gatherings, those attending gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of the Catholic
beliefs and practices. All are welcome, and there is no obligation to make any commitment to become Catholic.

Sometimes, those of us who have been Catholic our whole lives forget to offer this information to others who may interested in becoming Catholic. We just assume that if they are interested, they will find their own way. However, extending an invitation to relatives, friends, and neighbors, in a gentle way, might be just the opportunity that they are waiting for. They may be ready, but are not sure how to make an inquiry. However, if they are not ready today, you may have planted a seed that will grow and bloom into a decision some time in the future.

Feel free to invite
· Those who may be searching.
· Those who have never been baptized as Christians.
· Those who have been baptized in another Christian faith tradition and are now interested in the Catholic faith.
· Those who were baptized in the Catholic faith, but did not receive First Communion and/or Confirmation.

The first gathering of the RCIA year is typically held in September of each year. It is for information and inquiry, not commitment. If you have any questions, please call Sister Mary Ann Sutton at 773-769-4986 ext. 23 and leave your name and number.

RCIA Overview, 2003 - 2004

RCIA, the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, is a restoration of the ancient practice, which began around 350, as a way for the Church to welcome adults into the Community of Believers. It enables people to either embrace the Faith for the first time or it helps those baptized as Catholics to complete their faith formation. It is a process of discerning the ritualizing stages of conversion leading to sacramental initiation. It is the parish community through its witness, worship, service and catechesis that offers the invitation and support necessary for men and women to be initiated in the Church. It is a time of inquiry, learning, prayer and discovery of community. Those participating have the opportunity to ask questions about the Church and to hear about the message of Jesus Christ and how it is lived out in the Catholic Church.

Here's the complete RCIA schedule for 2003 -2004: