ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BECOMING A ROMAN CATHOLIC?
You are welcome to join our RCIA group!
Please click this link for Important Dates for RCIA in 2020
The RCIA—the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults—is a process, a journey, a time of spiritual growth for people who:
- Are interested in becoming Roman Catholic…or
- Are already baptized in another Christian tradition and desire full communion with the Roman Catholic Church…or
- Are baptized Roman Catholic but have not yet received the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist.
Interested persons meet weekly and “journey” as a group. Meetings are held every Thursday from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM for prayer, study, and discussion. All worship together Sundays at the 12 Noon Mass.
THE FOUR PERIODS OF THE RCIA
There are four parts to this process or faith journey. Each stage expresses a deepening of one’s faith and commitment to Jesus Christ.
I. The Period of Inquiry
The period of inquiry is a time for questions and finding out more about our life of faith in Jesus Christ.
II. The Catechumenate
The celebration of the Rite of Acceptance begins the second RCIA period. Candidates are welcomed into the parish community. The period of the catechumenate is a time of prayer, study, and reflection on the Scriptures to deepen one’s relationship with Jesus Christ and understanding of his life and teachings.
III. Lent: the Period of Purification and Enlightment
The six weeks of Lent start with Ash Wednesday. Lent is a time of more intense preparation for RCIA members. The Rite of Election, a celebration of being called by name is held on the First Sunday of Lent at the Cathedral of St. Patrick.
The Call to Continuing Conversion is celebrated on the Second Sunday of Lent for those baptized candidates preparing for Confirmation and First Eucharist. They are recognized for their desire to be sealed with the Holy Spirit and to have a place at Christ’s Eucharistic table.
The Lenten Season ends at the Easter Triduum, i.e., Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil, Our Lord’s Resurrection, when the Sacraments of Initiation are administered.
IV. Mystagogy
The RCIA journey continues into the fourth period, which is called Mystagogy, learning and deepening our understanding of the mysteries of God’s love for us.
AN INVITATION TO JOIN US
We are deeply rooted in the conviction that GOD is at work in all people. Whether one has been part of another faith tradition or none, we believe that we share a common search to love and serve God and one another. If you are sensing that God is inviting you we are happy to share our journey of faith with you. If interested, please contact:
Holy Name of Jesus-St. Gregory RCIA
207 West 96th Street,
New York, New York 10025
212-749-0276, ext. 110