Mission Statement
Holy Family is a welcoming community of faith who welcomes seekers and so we initiate new members through the rites of our Catholic Church. Those seekers are nurtured as individuals on their own faith journeys, challenging them to live the Gospel message as Catholic Christians. They do this within a community of fellow seekers and parishioners of Holy Family Church.
About Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
The Catholic Church welcomes new members and tries to provide appropriate spiritual formation according to each person’s needs. Some who come to us have had little or no affiliation with, or religious training in, the Christian faith. Others have been baptized and have been active members of other Christian denominations. The process of formation is called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). RCIA is a communal process and involves a number of stages which lead the unbaptized to the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and first Eucharist at the Easter Vigil at which time they become full members of the Roman Catholic Church. The entire process takes several months or, for some, a few years, but participants are invited to proceed at a pace that individually suits them. RCIA meets weekly, on Monday evenings.
RCIA Education Portal
The RCIA Process
RCIA has a gentle ebb and flow. Inquirers usually gather three times during the year: after the New Year, after Easter, and in the fall.
Period of Inquiry
As soon as we have a few people, we begin the first stage of RCIA: the period of inquiry, also known as the precatechumenate. This phase lasts about six to ten weeks. This is a time of introduction to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and a time of reflection on one’s own life in light of the values of the reign of God. It is an unstructured time of no fixed duration, an opportunity to ask questions and to allow the beginnings of Christian faith to form. This leads to the first Rite of Christian Initiation: The Rite of Acceptance.
• Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens. In this liturgical rite (usually celebrated during the 9:30 a.m. or 5:30 p.m. Mass), those who wish to become catechumens publicly express their desire to follow the way of Jesus. The people of Holy Family accept their intention and welcome them into the household of faith as catechumens.
Period of the Catechumenate
The second phase lasts from three to nine months. Along with the whole community, catechumens celebrate the Liturgy of the Word at Mass each Sunday. After the homily, the catechumens and members of the RCIA team (catechists) continue to study and ponder the scriptures. On Monday evenings they gather to ponder further the scriptures and the teachings of the Church. During this time, catechumens receive anointings, participate in prayers of exorcism and blessing, and take part in the mission of the Church to the world. Through prayer, learning and coming to know other Catholic Christians, catechumens discover the love and power of God in their lives and in the Church. This period is also a period of discernment with regards to their identity as Catholic Christians. If they are ready to do this, they then are invited to the next rite of initiation: The Rite of Election.
• Election or Enrollment of Names. At this liturgical rite, usually celebrated on the first Sunday of Lent at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, the archbishop formally acknowledges the readiness of the catechumens and calls them to the sacraments of initiation. The catechumens respond by expressing their desire for these sacraments. From this time until they are baptized, they are called the Elect.
Period of Purification and Enlightenment
On the first Sunday of Lent, the catechumens begin the third stage, which ends at Easter Vigil when the sacraments of initiation are celebrated. During this period, the elect and the parish community together focus on conversion, scrutinize their lives in light of the Gospel and celebrate the presentations of the Creed and Lord’s Prayer. As Lent ends and we anticipate Easter we celebrate the Easter Triduum. The Elect now prepare for their final rites of initation: The Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.
• Sacraments of Initiation. The elect become full members of the Body of Christ, the Church, through the celebration of the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. As these new members continue their faith journey into the next stage: the period of Mystagogy, they are known as neophytes, “new sprouts.”
Period of Mystagogy
The final stage, Mystagogy, “living the mysteries,” occurs during the fifty-day Easter season and beyond. Neophytes ponder the experience and meaning of the sacraments and participate with the faithful in the Eucharistic life of the Church and its mission for justice and peace. Formation and teaching continue for one year to help the neophytes become incorporated into the full life of the Christian community. Mystagogy continues the rest of their lives and our lives where we are living the mysteries of our faith.
Leadership Team
Dawn Ponnet is the Director of the RCIA process. She along with about 20 team members share the joys and responsibilities of making the initiation mission a reality.
Volunteer Ministry Opportunity
The Community needs to sponsor and mentor our new members. We need sponsors from our community. Being an RCIA sponsor is a wonderful faith-sharing opportunity.
(see RCIA Sponsor description)
Purpose of Position
Share faith and journey with another as that person prepares to embrace the Catholic way of life.
Responsibilities
- Attend as many weekly RCIA sessions as possible.
- Attend with your candidate or catechumen the rites celebrated at Sunday Eucharist as well as the rite of election at our cathedral church, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.
- Share faith with your candidate during the three retreats.
Skills Needed
Faith-filled and willing to share faith, pray with, and listen to your candidate.
Amount of Time Required
To be an outstanding sponsor, one needs to dedicate about three hours per week.
When Ministry is Performed
RCIA sessions are generally held on Monday evenings, 7:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m. The rites and rituals are celebrated at the Sunday 9:30 a.m. or 5:30 p.m. eucharistic celebrations.
Length of Commitment
For some catechumens, the process takes about one year, while the journey for others can be as short as five months. Each journey of faith is unique.
Training
Three sponsor meetings are held during the initiation process, where a team member describes the role and responsibilities of a sponsor. Sponsors engage in lively discussion and support one another.
An Invitation
If you or someone you know is interested in learning about the Catholic faith, please get in touch with us. You may complete the RCIA Interview Form in advance or during a meeting with the Director of Initiation.
Contact
Dawn Ponnet
Director of Initiation
(626) 403-6128
dponnet@holyfamily.org