ST. PHILIP'S CATHOLIC CHURCH - BEMIDJI, MN
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults
What is R.C.I.A.?
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the Church's process of welcoming newcomers into full communion with the Catholic Church. The RCIA program involves not just the newcomer or "inquirer" but all the members of our St. Philips Parish Community who by prayer and personal example help the inquirer find his or her place in the Church.
Who is R.C.I.A. for?
A lot of people benefit from RCIA.
RCIA is for those persons who have never been baptized and seek to join the community of believers. These men and women are called "Catechumens."
RCIA is for those who have been baptized in another Christian faith, but are seeking to join the Catholic Church. These men and women are called "Candidates."
RCIA is for those who have been baptized in the Catholic faith but who have never been fully initiated, through the Sacraments of Eucharist/Confirmation. These are also called "Candidates."
The RCIA program is open to all adults, even those who are already Catholic that may be seeking a refresher about their faith or just want to learn more as they continue their journey of faith (limited to available space).
Others who participate in RCIA are: Catholic adults who serve as sponsors for the catechumens and candidates. These people have a very important role in helping to nurture and introduce the catechumens and candidates to the Church community by providing support, example and prayer.
When does R.C.I.A. meet?
RCIA sessions begin in the fall, meeting on an every-other-week basis. We begin with a meal in the St. Philips Social hall from 6:00-6:30PM, and then move into a classroom from 6:30-8:00PM. RCIA continues with this schedule into January. We then meet on alternating Sunday morning after being dismissed following the Liturgy of the Word during the 9:00 Mass. At this time catechumens and candidates discuss the scripture readings for that Sunday and begin to explore how the scriptures are relevant to their lives of faith.
Are there any costs or fees to participate in the program?
There are NO fees to participate in RCIA. All materials are provided to catechumens and candidates at no cost.
The Four Stages of the R.C.I.A.
- Inquiry - The initial period during which newcomers are able to ask questions, share their stories, and reflect on the place of God in their lives.
- Catechumenate - A longer period of formation and reflection on the Word of God.
- Purification and Enlightenment - A time of continued instruction coupled with more intensive preparation and prayer lasting through the season of Lent and culminating at the Easter Vigil with reception of the Sacraments of Initiation.
- Mystagogia - The time after the catechumens and candidates have been received into full communion with the Church. During this time, the newly initiated are more fully integrated into the life of the Church.
Interested in learning more?
Please call the St. Philips Parish office at (218)444-4262 for more information or contact one of our RCIA Team:
Fr. Don Braukmann (218)444-4262 dbraukman@stphilipsbemidji.org
Fr. Craig Vasek (218)444-7622 cvasek@stphilipsbemidji.org
Ralph & Joan Brose (218)335-8933 jrbrose@paulbunyan.net
Robb Naylor (218)760-9047 robbnaylor@me.com
To contact us:
St. Philip's Catholic Church, 702 Beltrami Ave NW, Bemidji, MN 56601
Phone: 218-444-4262 Fax: 218-444-1381 E-mail: rector@stphilipsbemidji.org