The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is for people who would like to know more about the Roman Catholic faith. It is also for those who desire to be received into full communion with the Catholic Church.

This includes Catechumens, Candidates and Inquirers. Catechumens are people who have never been baptized by any Christian Church. Candidates are individuals who have been baptized in any Christian church (including Roman Catholics) but have not been confirmed in the Catholic Church and Inquirers are those who want want general information about the Roman Catholic Faith.

The Initiation process takes place, as the documents say, "in the midst of the Assembly". Worship with our parish community, either at Sacred Heart or St. Jude, is the most important part of this journey of Faith.

Other important elements of Christian Initiation include time spent learning about our faith, doing service in and outside of the Parish, continuing conversion, spending time in fellowship with members of our Parish community.

BREAKING OPEN THE WORD: We celebrate the Dismissal Rite with Catechumens each Sunday at the 10:00 Liturgy at St. Jude Church. This is followed by Breaking Open the Word, usually in the school library.

The educational sessions of our RCIA process take place at St. Jude in the Keller Room from 7 to 8:30 pm on Wednesday evenings. If you are interested in becoming a Catholic Christian but are unable to attend these sessions, please email Terry Powells , our Director of Faith Formation.  You may also contact her for any information about becoming a Catholic Christian.

CALENDAR FOR INITIATION RITES

Winter/Spring 2011

Period of Purification and Enlightenment: Lent

March 9: Ash Wednesday

March 13: First Sunday of Lent

March 20: Second Sunday of Lent:

Rite of Sending, 10:00 Mass St. Jude (everyone and sponsors)

Brunch: St. Jude, following 10:00 Mass (everyone and sponsors)

Rite of Election 2:00 at St. Matthew Cathedral (afternoon) w/ Bishop Rhoades (all)

March 27: Third Sunday of Lent

First Scrutiny: 10:00 Mass at St Jude (Catechumens and Sponsors)

April 3: Fourth Sunday of Lent

Second Scrutiny: 10:00 Mass at St Jude (Catechumens and Sponsors)

April 10: Fifth Sunday of Lent

Third Scrutiny: 10:00 Mass at St Jude (Catechumens and Sponsors)

April 17: Passion/ Palm Sunday

April 21: Holy Thursday: Mass 7:00(everyone)

April 22: Good Friday

Celebration of the Lord's Passion   12:30 (everyone)

April 22: Good Friday retreat for adults: evening (all adults and sponsors)

April 23: Easter Vigil: 9:00 evening (everyone and sponsors)