R.C.I.A., weekly study, has formally begun! Wednesdays, 7-8:30pm. Interested in the sacraments or know someone who is? Want to learn more about the Catholic Faith? All are welcome. Call St. John Vianney Parish for more information. 864-4166. 
 

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is the Catholic Church’s compilation of instructions and ceremonies for a person to be baptized and then be fully initiated into the Catholic Church.

What is involved? 
The formal RCIA process begins when those who have made inquiries about the faith become Catechumens. A Catechumen is a man or woman who plans to be baptized (Matt. 28), and join the Church that Jesus founded (Matt. 16). Catechumens learn the teachings of the Biblical Christian faith, with the essential teachings of the Tradition of the Catholic Church. Christian initiation happens when the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and holy communion are administered, whenever possible at the Easter vigil Mass. 

Is RCIA appropriate for baptized adults who seek Confirmation?
Yes. RCIA is often an appropriate program for baptized adults seeking full initiation to become a Catholic. 

The formal RCIA process begins with those who have made inquiries about the faith becoming
Catechumens to be baptized (if they haven’t already been) and confirmed. 
While these lessons are ongoing, a Catholic priest administers to the Catechumen certain
blessings so that the graces of the Church may begin to come to fruition in their life. At the
beginning of the Lenten season, the parish which is to receive them will lead the Catechumens
who are ready in a series of step-by-step rites and rituals to prepare for the sacraments. The
elect catechumens are encouraged to enter into an intense period of immediate preparation
and sacraments are administered, traditionally at the Easter vigil Mass.
The RCIA is open to any person who seeks Christ. While baptized Christians are considered to
be partially initiated into the Church already, the process of the RCIA is usually the best means
for them to receive their full Christian initiation. Instructions for the RCIA are usually appropriate
for these Catholics, too, as they seek to receive confirmation and begin practicing their
baptismal faith.
Anyone with interest in or questions about the RCIA should speak to the parish staff or Fr. Tim
Naples. 
St John Vianney Church is a Roman Catholic faith community in the Diocese of Burlington.

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If you would like more information about this topic, please call Connie McDonald at
(802)864-4166 x204, or email SJVGoodNews@gmail.com