R.C.I.A. 2007

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.) 

Each year a team of volunteers works in various ministries to help prepare anyone interested in joining the Catholic Church.  This year the following have inquired;  Mrs. Debbie Pape and her daughter, Kayla Spangler;  Mrs. Janet Merlene and her daughter, Hanna;  and  Joe Schor.  

There is a period of Inquiry, called the Precatechumenate, where parishioners open their homes to interested persons and share fellowship as well as their faith journey.   It is a time for sharing, questioning and discerning into the Christian way of life and the Catholic tradition.

The inquirers began meeting with RCIA volunteers in May and continued through August.   

Candidates with their hosts, Donnie Rose.

Candidates with their hosts, Pat, Jack and Jack Carr.

Candidates with their hosts, Mark and Sherri Vendetti.

Conneaut Township Park Beach
after a picnic with the members of
Catholic Daughters of the Americas

Conneaut Township Park Beach
Hanna searches for beach glass.

After this period of Inquiry, there is a formal Rite of Acceptance and Welcome at Mass.  On Sunday, September 16, Bishop George Murry celebrated this Rite of Acceptance and Welcome for our Catechumens (the unbaptized ) seeking full initiation into the church through Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation, Joe Schor, Kayla Spangler and Janet Merlene, and  Candidates (the baptized), Debbie Pape and Hanna Merlene who are seeking Eucharist and Confirmation.

Janet and Hanna Merlene, Debbie Pape,
Kayla Spangler, and Lori Jury, Sponsor with
Bishop Murry and Fr. Thomas
 

After this period of Inquiry, there was a formal Rite of Acceptance and Welcome at Mass.  On Sunday, September 16, Bishop George Murry celebrated this Rite of Acceptance and Welcome for our Catechumens (the unbaptized ) seeking full initiation into the church through Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation,  Kayla Spangler and Janet Merlene, and  Candidates (the baptized), Debbie Pape and Hanna Merlene who are seeking Eucharist and Confirmation.

Now our Catechumens (the unbaptized) and Candidates (the baptized) enter the period of the Catechumenate.  They meet with catechests and members of the R.C.I.A. team each Wednesday evening from 6:30 – 8:00pm in preparation for the Rite of Election which begins the period of Purification and Enlightenment coinciding with the Lenten Season. 

Please keep the Catechumens and Candidates in your prayers and continue to welcome them and offer support whenever you see them.