For the Information of the Members of the St. Kevin's Parish Community

Rite of Christian
Initiation of Adults

We welcome you to

A JOURNEY OF FAITH

The R.C.I.A. at St. Kevin's

As Catholics, we might encounter persons – family members, friends, colleagues – who express interest in becoming members of the Catholic Christian community.

We might also encounter persons who were baptized in the Catholic Church, but ever had the opportunity to receive the Eucharist or Confirmation, who now desire to learn more about their Catholic faith and receive the Sacraments of Initiation.

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is a program and a process that can facilitate these interests and desires of persons.

The next RCIA program at our Parish Community of St. Kevin will commence on September 12, 2011.

If you know anyone who might be interested in exploring the Catholic faith or want to receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation), please invite them to contact Fr. Vijay or Fr. Jim or Fr. Norm or our Parish office – 905-735-5885.

About the R.C.I.A.

• R.C.I.A. stand for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. It is a process of preparation for persons wishing to become Roman Catholics and for Catholics who desire a deeper understanding of their faith or commitment to their faith.

• The Roman Catholic tradition is very old and profoundly rich. Our faith as Catholics sustains us in time of crisis; gives meaning and purpose to our lives; and furnishes us with a great sensitivity to the needs of others, especially the Poor.

• As Catholics we believe that faith in Jesus Christ is always a gift-a gift from God offered to a person who is searching for the truth about life and is open to God's initiative and loving invitation.

• In a comprehensive process called Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), the church today supports and encourages the spiritual journeys of all of us.

• The RCIA process is designed to welcome new members into the church and at the same time deepen and renew the faith of the entire church community.

• The R.C.I.A. is a journey, a journey of faith. A group of people – Parish team members and searchers – travel together from mid-September to Pentecost, meeting during Sunday Mass, after the homily, for breaking open the Word, and gathering Monday evenings, in the Hospitality Room, for discussion on given themes.

• In the R.C.I.A. experience, adults learn from the lived experience of each other. The interest and questions of the searcher can add new perspective to the faith of the committed Catholic Christian. It can be a source of joy and new hope for the searcher, in their witness and in their readiness to share their own faith experience.

• Father Vijay and Father Norm are part of St. Kevin's R.C.I.A. Team. Please contact them or the Parish Office for further information on the R.C.I.A.