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RCIA

The Rite of Christian Imitation of Adults is the result of the directives of the Vatican Council II for the restoration of the catechumenal process. Its promulgation in l972 by Pope Paul VI marked a significant shift in the practice of initiating adults in the Catholic Christian community; the local community forms men and women, responding to an often inexplicable call, around the word of God. Together they discern and welcome God’s invitation to embrace life in the Catholic Christian community. This leads to serving the mission of Jesus in the world.

 The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a restoration of the ancient practice of initiation in the Church. Focused on conversion, candidates entered an extended period of formation and probation. The community ritually celebrates the conversion at various points on the journey, culminating with the celebration of baptism, confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. An extended catechesis followed this to help the newly initiated to live the commitment they made: lives of justice, service and charity as witnesses of the reign of God. Initiation into the Christian Community is not concerned about programs that come and go. Rather, Christian initiation is concerned with the fundamental values of the Christian way of life. That is why the The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is not a program but a sacramental process. The Spirit empowers the believer to proclaim the gift received: liberation and redemption in and through the person of Jesus, the Christ.

Childrens Catechumenate

Modeled after the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA), the Children's Catechumenate at St. Edward is designed for those children new to the Catholic religion.

Together with their parents, children attend classes which are held year round.

The Children's Catechumenate takes the children through a four step process beginning with the "Inquiry Process," where the families get to know one another and share their experiences of God and church.

Next is the "Catechumenate" period, where the families continue to learn about the Catholic Church and it's beliefs. The "Purification & Enlightenment" period follows, a time that coincides with Lent & that through prayer and reflection brings about a sense of need for conversion, culminating with the reception of the appropriate Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil.

Because this is an ongoing process, new inquiries are always welcome. Please contact the Religious Education Office (615) 834-4927 for more information about joining this program or email lgregory@stedward.org.