rciamain

Saint Teresa's Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults Home

Coordinator

Anne Baur
(718) 720-9636

Mission Statement

RCIA stands for Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults - a process where adults become full-fledged Catholics. Over a period of time those interested in learning what it means to be a Catholic Christian take part in weekly sessions where scripture, doctrine and tradition are explored and shared. Conversion and formation are celebrated with special rites, ceremonies and prayers. Guided by a team of clergy and laity, we keep in mind that it is God who invites and nourishes those who are seeking. This journey of faith will hopefully lead to the celebration of the sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil Liturgy. Our newest brothers and sisters are welcomed into our faith community with joy.

RCIA – COME AND SEE

Is there a friend, neighbor or family member who could use a special invitation to “come and see?” We have such a tremendous gift to share with others – our Faith. We invite anyone interested in learning more about the teachings and practice of our Catholic faith.
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults is a process of preparation for those who were never baptized and those baptized into another Christian community, who have a desire to become Catholics. It is also for baptized Catholics who have never received the Sacraments of Communion and/or Confirmation or those who just feel that their faith could be deepened and enriched and want to learn more. If you or some one you know is interested in finding out more about the RCIA process, please call the rectory and leave your name.

INTERESTED?

All inquiries are welcome.

If you or someone you know would like more information about RCIA, please call 718-442-5412.

EASTER SACRAMENTS

What a joyous Easter celebration as our parish welcomed five participants of the RCIA into full communion of the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil Mass! Our catechumen, called ‘Elect of God’ during Lent,

MAI DAVID

received all three sacraments of initiation, including Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. Also receiving the Sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Eucharist at this special liturgy were four other adults:

ERIC-JOHN ORTIZ

GRADY TALBERT

JASON MENDIOLA

JOHN VANDEN-HEUVEL

We thank God for all his abundant graces and the new life they bring to our Church. They join with 600 other catechumens and 850 other candidates throughout the Archdiocese who were fully initiated into our Catholic community this Easter! Through their joy and their example may we appreciate anew how much God loves each one of us. They have made many sacrifices during the past year to prepare for these Easter sacraments. And as Neophytes, they will continue learning about the teachings of the church, reflecting on the gospels and how these can be applied to our daily lives. Let’s continue to support them through our prayers, encouragement and good example.

ONGOING FORMATION

The high point of the entire process of conversion in the RCIA is the celebration of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. We continue to rejoice with the five new members of our parish as they journey along with us in faith.

Easter is not the end, however. It is followed by a time called Mystagogy, when the newly initiated reflect on the meaning of their commitment to follow Christ. It’s an opportunity to explore in a fuller and more effective way the “mysteries” they have experienced. And it’s a time for the Church along with the neophytes to deepen our grasp of the paschal mystery so that we may be strengthened in the sharing of the Eucharist and in doing works of charity. Since we are called to live out the meaning of our Baptism everyday of our lives, we are all enriched when we reflect on these Sacraments and try to integrate them in how we live.

Even if you are not a new Catholic, what can you do to bring fresh energy to the way you live your life? What excites you about being Catholic? What challenges you? Is there something to learn from the joy and enthusiasm of our neophytes? May this Easter Season be an invitation for all of us to try to live even more authentic Christian lives.

HOW DOES A PERSON BECOME A CATHOLIC?

There are several ways the Catholic Church warmly welcomes new members. Many are baptized as infants or young children and grow up as part of a Christian community. Others have had little or no connection with the Church since baptism, or have been baptized in another Christian denomination and want full communion with the Catholic Church. And there are still other inquirers who have never been baptized. We honor each person's unique journey and response to God's call.

For adults and teenagers the Church offers an on-going formation in the message and mission of Jesus, called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. It is a gradual process of spiritual growth in prayer, scripture and the Catholic way of life. And we mark the steps along the way with special rites and celebrations, leading to the Easter Vigil when the three sacraments of initiation, Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist, are celebrated.

But it is important that the journey continues for them and for all of us. Ongoing faith formation and being part of a community of faith are essential not only to remain faithful disciples of Jesus but also to continue to deepen and grow in the reality of God in our everyday lives. That's what it means to "practice our faith" as Catholics. We keep at it with God's grace, for we are all on a journey each and every day of our lives.

Saint Teresa's Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults Home				Coordinator Anne Baur (718) 720-9636

Mission Statement
RCIA stands for Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults - a process where adults become full-fledged Catholics. Over a period of time those interested in learning what it means to be a Catholic Christian take part in weekly sessions where scripture, doctrine and tradition are explored and shared. Conversion and formation are celebrated with special rites, ceremonies and prayers. Guided by a team of clergy and laity, we keep in mind that it is God who invites and nourishes those who are seeking. This journey of faith will hopefully lead to the celebration of the sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil Liturgy. Our newest brothers and sisters are welcomed into our faith community with joy.



				RCIA – COME AND SEE Is there a friend, neighbor or family member who could use a special invitation to “come and see?” We have such a tremendous gift to share with others – our Faith. We invite anyone interested in learning more about the teachings and practice of our Catholic faith. The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults is a process of preparation for those who were never baptized and those baptized into another Christian community, who have a desire to become Catholics. It is also for baptized Catholics who have never received the Sacraments of Communion and/or Confirmation or those who just feel that their faith could be deepened and enriched and want to learn more. If you or some one you know is interested in finding out more about the RCIA process, please call the rectory and leave your name. INTERESTED? All inquiries are welcome. If you or someone you know would like more information about RCIA, please call 718-442-5412.




EASTER SACRAMENTS What a joyous Easter celebration as our parish welcomed five participants of the RCIA into full communion of the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil Mass! Our catechumen, called ‘Elect of God’ during Lent, MAI DAVID received all three sacraments of initiation, including Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. Also receiving the Sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Eucharist at this special liturgy were four other adults: ERIC-JOHN ORTIZ GRADY TALBERT JASON MENDIOLA JOHN VANDEN-HEUVEL We thank God for all his abundant graces and the new life they bring to our Church. They join with 600 other catechumens and 850 other candidates throughout the Archdiocese who were fully initiated into our Catholic community this Easter! Through their joy and their example may we appreciate anew how much God loves each one of us. They have made many sacrifices during the past year to prepare for these Easter sacraments. And as Neophytes, they will continue learning about the teachings of the church, reflecting on the gospels and how these can be applied to our daily lives. Let’s continue to support them through our prayers, encouragement and good example. ONGOING FORMATION The high point of the entire process of conversion in the RCIA is the celebration of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. We continue to rejoice with the five new members of our parish as they journey along with us in faith. Easter is not the end, however. It is followed by a time called Mystagogy, when the newly initiated reflect on the meaning of their commitment to follow Christ. It’s an opportunity to explore in a fuller and more effective way the “mysteries” they have experienced. And it’s a time for the Church along with the neophytes to deepen our grasp of the paschal mystery so that we may be strengthened in the sharing of the Eucharist and in doing works of charity. Since we are called to live out the meaning of our Baptism everyday of our lives, we are all enriched when we reflect on these Sacraments and try to integrate them in how we live. Even if you are not a new Catholic, what can you do to bring fresh energy to the way you live your life? What excites you about being Catholic? What challenges you? Is there something to learn from the joy and enthusiasm of our neophytes? May this Easter Season be an invitation for all of us to try to live even more authentic Christian lives.











HOW DOES A PERSON BECOME A CATHOLIC? There are several ways the Catholic Church warmly welcomes new members. Many are baptized as infants or young children and grow up as part of a Christian community. Others have had little or no connection with the Church since baptism, or have been baptized in another Christian denomination and want full communion with the Catholic Church. And there are still other inquirers who have never been baptized. We honor each person's unique journey and response to God's call. For adults and teenagers the Church offers an on-going formation in the message and mission of Jesus, called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. It is a gradual process of spiritual growth in prayer, scripture and the Catholic way of life. And we mark the steps along the way with special rites and celebrations, leading to the Easter Vigil when the three sacraments of initiation, Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist, are celebrated. But it is important that the journey continues for them and for all of us. Ongoing faith formation and being part of a community of faith are essential not only to remain faithful disciples of Jesus but also to continue to deepen and grow in the reality of God in our everyday lives. That's what it means to "practice our faith" as Catholics. We keep at it with God's grace, for we are all on a journey each and every day of our lives.