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On the topic of Christian Initiation the Catechism of the Catholic Church states:
1229 From the time of the apostles, becoming a Christian has been accomplished by a journey and initiation in several stages. This journey can be covered rapidly or slowly, but certain essential elements will always have to be present: proclamation of the Word, acceptance
of the Gospel entailing conversion, profession of faith, Baptism itself, the outpouring
of the Holy Spirit, and admission to Eucharistic communion.
1233 Today in all the rites, Latin and Eastern, the Christian initiation of adults begins with their entry into the catechumenate and reaches its culmination in a single celebration of
the three sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist.
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) process is especially designed for individuals who are interested in learning about the Catholic faith and have an interest in joining the Catholic Church. It is also for adults who were baptized in the Catholic faith but never continued their religious instruction or received other sacraments. Instructional sessions usually begin in September and conclude shortly after Easter Vigil.
The RCIA can best be described as a process of coming to know Jesus Christ on a personal level. Coming to know Jesus cannot be fitted into a thirty-week instruction program. It is a process of ever-deepening growth and commitment -- a process that continues long after you are initiated into the Catholic Church. We will try to help you discover your readiness to make that commitment to Christ in and through the Church. We will celebrate your journey to Christ in various rituals throughout the process. Finally, the RCIA is very much a public process that takes place in the context of the community of St. Mary’s. The ceremonies or rites that we celebrate usually take place at the Sunday liturgies, when our community comes together to worship. In summary, the RCIA is a faith journey. Each of us has a unique path for our faith development. Therefore, there is no obligation on the part of anyone to “join the church.” We stand ready to assist you in reflecting upon whether God is calling you at this time to follow him in and through the Chelmsford Catholic Collaborative community.
What exactly is the process?
What are my Obligations?
There is no obligation on the part of anyone to “join the church.” There is no cost. You do not need to bring a sponsor. You only need the desire to learn more about the Catholic faith. What happens next is up to you!