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Are You Someone or Do You Know Someone Who….

  • Has expressed an interest in becoming Catholic?

  • Was baptized as a child, but has not celebrated the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist?

  • Has a child in religious education and would like to be part of adult education to receive the sacraments?

  • Has a child in Catholic school and would like to know more about the Catholic faith?

  • OR….is looking for a Catholic 101 refresher course?

Join us in September, in the Ministries and Administration Building, to embark on a lifelong faith journey and discover the richness of the Catholic faith!  You are welcome to participate in the process with your questions, insights, and your faith story in a warm and accepting setting.  

 

For information or to meet privately to discuss the Catholic faith, please contact Adam Fisher at adam@stjosephcolumbia.org.

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Know someone interested in joining The Church?

Need a refresher on certain topics or have questions about Church teaching?

Join us for an introduction to Catholicism course! All are welcome to join us in the ministries and administration building each Sunday from 9:15-10:15 AM, starting September 11 and running

until Holy Week, 2023. Be sure to watch the bulletin for upcoming topics that may interest you or someone you know.

 

This course functions primarily to instruct those seeking to join in full communion with the

Catholic Church but is open to any parishioners who would like an opportunity to expand their

own knowledge of the faith!

 

For more information, please contact Adam Fisher at adam@stjosephcolumbia.org

or at 803.254.7646 ext. 417

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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ARE YOU ...Interested in becoming Catholic?

  • A Catholic who wishes to receive Confirmation and/or First Eucharist?

  • Interested in helping someone you know become fully initiated in the Catholic faith?

 

Then RCIA is for you!

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RCIA is a process of formation for adults who desire to become fully initiated members of the Catholic Church.  Weekly presentations from September through the Easter Vigil provide non-Catholics and Catholics lacking the sacraments of 1st Holy Communion and Confirmation, with an understanding of the Catholic faith in order that they may be baptized or make a profession of faith in the Catholic Church.  The sessions foster discussion and encourage people to share their faith stories in an open and welcoming environment.  The goal of the RCIA process is full, conscious, and active participation in an exciting life with Jesus Christ within His Catholic Church. 

STEP 1.  Period of Inquiry
STEP 2.  Period of Catechumenate
STEP 3. Period of Purification and Enlightenment

  • Begins with the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens or, for those who are already baptized, the Rite of Welcoming

  • Time of learning the teachings of the Church and beginning to accept Catholic teachings and practices"

  • Sponsors accompany catechumens and candidates on their journey

  • Length of Catechumenate period can vary from person to person

  • Concludes when

    • Catechumens discern that God is calling them to receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation)

    • Candidates discern that God is calling them to make a profession of faith in the Catholic Church

  • Begins with Rite of Election

  • Catechumens are now called the Elect

  • Time of intense preparation during Lent to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus at Easter and to receive the Sacraments of Initiation

  • Concludes with a Retreat Day in preparation for receiving the Sacraments

STEP 4. Period of Mystagogia

  • Begins with the reception of the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist during the Easter Season

  • Time of reflection on the commitment made to the Lord, the Church, and the faith community

  • Time of finding a place in the community and getting involved

If you, or someone you know feels the Holy Spirit is calling you to join the Catholic faith and you wish to join us on this journey or as a Catholic, you wish to renew your Catholic faith, please contact our church office, 803.254.7646.

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