It is with great joy that we welcomed our RCIA Catechumen and Candidates into full communion with the Church on Saturday, August 8, 2020. These Sacraments, which would have been celebrated at the Easter Vigil, were postponed to do Covid-19.  

Please visit the Parish Photos page for more pictures from the day. Special thank you to Julie Ashcroft for the photos

What made you decide to seek information on becoming a Catholic?

People seek information about becoming Catholic for a variety of reasons. Perhaps you are married to a Catholic...or you have many friends who are Catholic...you are interested in the teachings of the Church. It could be you have a desire to experience the sacraments of the Church. Maybe you want to know Jesus Christ more fully and are seeking God. There are many ways that God calls a person into relationship with Jesus and we are happy to help you along this journey.

RCIA has four stages of formation

Pre-Catechumenate

During this period, "inquirers" can receive answers to some of their most pressing questions about the Catholic faith and discern how this faith might connect with their personal story and their desire for a closer relationship with Jesus Christ and the Christian community. There is no time limit to this period. When ready, inquirers are invited to continue the journey through participation in the ritual called the Rite of Acceptance into the order of Catechumenate.

Catechumenate

This is the second period of preparation. This stage varies in length according to each person's needs. Catechumens (those preparing for Baptism) and Candidates (those already baptized who are preparing to join the Catholic Church), will spend time being introduced to Catholic beliefs and way of life. The Scriptures and Catholic teachings will guide them, while participation in various forms of worship, prayer and parish activities will help integrate them into the Catholic lifestyle. A sponsor will be chosen to provide individual support, and the parish community will continue to welcome them and pray for them. This stage culminates in the celebration of the Rite of Election where catechumens are officially accepted for the Easter Sacraments and are now called "elect". Baptized candidates may also participate in this rite, but are called to continuing conversion.

Purification and Enlightenment

This period, which coincides with the season of Lent, is a time of final preparation for initiation. Lent is ordinarily that time for all to turn from sin and be enlightened by Christ. During this time, the Elect engage in prayer and reflection about their growing relationship with Christ and the Church. They discern how they will live out that relationship in their everyday lives. The centerpiece of this period of prayerful preparation is the celebration of the Scrutinies. This period climaxes with the celebration of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil liturgy on the night before Easter.

Mystagogy

Mystagogy means "leading into the mysteries". This final period lasts from Easter Sunday until the completion of the Easter season, which is 50 days later on Pentecost Sunday. It is a time when the newly initiated reflect on that which they have just experienced and begin their lifelong pilgrimage of growth as the mysteries of their faith unfold.

What people have to say about their experiences in RCIA

RCIA Ministry Leads

Carol and Paul Heckman

for more information about RCIA please contact the Parish Office 518-399-9168 or via email

What people have to say about their experiences

in RCIA

Brian Nissley

“RCIA was one of the most interesting and rewarding experiences of my life. While many things drew me to RCIA, it was my “classmates”, the instructors and the Church that made it such an amazing experience. Through discussions and interactions, I gained a deeper understanding of the Scriptures and Christianity. The outpouring of support from my classmates, the congregation, and the Church was far more than I ever expected or even hoped for. RCIA has left me with an inner peace that I intend to sustain for the rest of my life" 2016

Jim Vincent

“As a token Presbyterian who now LOVES the Catholic Church, I found our RCIA process to be instrumental in my finding both spiritual peace and spiritual happiness. I have to admit that I believed rumors I had been taught about the Catholic Church. My misgivings were cancelled as the sessions explained the truth and I realized that some of these rumors were highly distorted versions of the truth. I was also surprised by the history of the Catholic Church…its tradition is so rich in history. It is interesting to see how the Church got to be the way it is now" 2016

Cindy Carter

"RCIA was such an amazing and rewarding experience, one I don't think I will ever forget. The people I got to meet and got through his experience with, I will always hold close to my heart. I think this is the best thing I could have done for myself spiritually and emotionally. There was so much learned; and I hope to continue to learn.... but RCIA is really just a beginning, an amazing beginning" 2016

April Nedwell

“RCIA was truly an experience that I will never forget and will cherish forever. I always looked forward to our weekly classes because of the unbelievably kind and caring people that are part of the RCIA process. Not only did I learn a great deal about the Catholic Faith, but I gained a faith family and learned a lot about myself in the process. This program has helped me understand myself better as a person and as a Catholic. Because I want to continue to learn and grow, I have joined the Church book club, which I thoroughly enjoy and I will be attending the parish weekend at Pyramid Lake this summer with my husband. I plan to join other Church groups and participate in many Church functions in the future. I cannot imagine having gone through any other program but the RCIA process at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Glenville. What a warm, welcoming community!" 2016