The letters "RCIA" stand for the "Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults",
flowing from a Vatican II document which guides the process by which adults are initiated into our Roman Catholic
community.
The RCIA Program is a learning process introducing adults to the Catholic
faith resulting in Baptism and the reception of the Sacraments.
Our process is deeply rooted in the early
history of the church. Then, as now, we welcome new enquiries or converts into
our Christian community. Together we journey to a deeper understanding and
fulfilling relationship with God. Just as the early Christians heard and
witnessed the life giving messages and deeds of Jesus Christ, so too do we
acknowledge and embrace them. As a community, we help each other to nourish our
faith, to keep it alive and ever growing, and always with the confidence of
Jesus as our loving guide.
RCIA is for anyone who
feels the need to develop a stronger faith and more knowledge of Catholicism as
well as for those who have experienced no faith at all. Our
"gathering" on Thursday evenings will be time well spent, whether it's enjoying
the company of other Catholics is our communion or voicing your questions or
concerns regarding the faith or sharing your faith story.
The time for has come for all of us to look into
our hearts and minds and assess the depths of our knowledge and understanding of
our Catholic faith. Too many of us are missing out ont this remarkable and
loving community. There is love here. There is understanding here. There is
patience, wisdom and hope here. There is GOD here. It is within all of us.
Come and let us journey together. Let us learn and depend on each other. We will
grow together and become the people God intended us to be. You are welcome here.
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It is my privilege to have been part of the RCIA program at Fatima for
four years. In that time I have seen community build and flourish. The team of volunteers gladly give time, money and energy as a gift to our
Lord, for those who seek God and want to know about the Catholic Church. We have been amazed with the love and sharing that builds as we
meet each week. Speakers have come from within the Catholic community to share their faith and experiences. We all are enriched. God is so
good!
Each year in September we begin with the basics of our faith. Any
person over 16 is welcome to participate in the program as a candidate. A variety of faith backgrounds will make up the group. There will be
time for sharing and questions and learning new things about God and the Catholic Church. At Easter time we celebrate our faith as many within
the program choose to receive the Sacraments of Initiation which are Baptism, Confirmation and their first Holy Communion. Both individuals
and our community are strengthened throughout the RCIA program.
Mrs. Jude Maddalozzo,
Coordinator 97-01
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