WHAT IS THE RCIA? The RCIA is the process that prepares people to become fully initiated Catholics. Currently at St. Helen it runs from September until the beginning of May, with informal social sessions held once a month in the summer.

WHO MAY ATTEND THE RCIA? The Church welcomes anyone interested in the Catholic faith to attend the RCIA. This could include those who have never been baptized (called catechumens), those baptized in another Christian faith and adult Catholics who have not received the Sacraments of Eucharist and/or Confirmation. (called candidates)

WHAT DOES THE PROCESS CONSIST OF? The process is divided into four parts: 1) The Inquiry, or Pre-Catechumenate, 2) The Catechumenate, 3) The Period of Purification and Enlightenment, and 4) Mystagogy.

WHAT IS THE PRE-CATECHUMENATE? This period is a time of faith awakening. Currently at St. Helen these sessions are held once a month beginning in June, and weekly beginning in September, and are as social as they are informational. They are informal gatherings held in a home, giving inquirers a chance to meet parishioners and ask questions, without making a formal commitment. Inquirers are asked to reflect on questions designed to help them find where God has been in their lives. In October we begin more formal classes on Revelation and the Bible, held on Tuesdays, from 7:30 until 9:00 PM. Each class consists of a short formal instruction and small group discussions. Throughout the year we discuss the 10 commandments, the 7 sacraments, prayer, salvation, the Trinity, Heaven, Hell and Purgatory, and Mary and the Saints

WHAT IS THE CATECHUMENATE? After several classes, those deciding to continue on celebrate the Rite of Acceptance and Welcoming at a Sunday Mass, usually the first Sunday of Advent, then enter into the Period of Catechumenate.

The aim of the Catechumenate Period is a deepening of faith and the instruction of the Catholic tradition. The catechumens and candidates also attend the 10:30 Mass on Sunday, where they are dismissed after the homily to discuss the readings of the day. They are also given a church sponsor, someone who will help guide them during the RCIA process. On the first Sunday of Lent, they celebrate that God has elected for them to continue on, in the Rite of Election.

DO I NEED A SPONSOR? Every catechumen or candidate in the RCIA process needs a sponsor. A sponsor is someone who will attend every class with them, serving as a faith companion to answer questions about the faith and parish life. If you know someone who is a member of St. Helen who would like to be your sponsor, they are welcome to become a part of the process. Otherwise, one of our team members will happily serve as your sponsor. If you want a special person to serve as a Godparent for Baptism or Confirmation sponsor, but they cannot make the weekly commitment, they are welcome to stand up for you at the Easter Vigil, along with your RCIA sponsor.

WHAT IS THE PERIOD OF PURIFICATION AND ENLIGHTENMENT? The Period of Purification and Enlightenment is the next step. Taking place during Lent, this is a time of examining and eliminating what is weak and affirming what is holy. Both the Tuesday and the Sunday sessions are designed as a final preparation for the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil - Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. Scrutinies are held at selected Sunday Masses. These are rites of self-searching and repentance, where the entire congregation is encouraged to examine their strengths and weaknesses.

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE EASTER VIGIL? At the Easter Vigil Mass, those who are ready are welcomed into the Church through Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist in a beautiful, moving celebration. Those who are not ready or have decided not to join the Catholic Church are invited to attend to pray with us, but are in no way pressured into doing anything they are not comfortable doing.

WHAT IS MYSTAGOGY? The Period of Mystagogy is the period where the new church members, called neophytes (meaning “new people”), have a chance to deepen their Sacramental and spiritual lives through reflection and discussion. Currently at St. Helen this period only lasts a couple of weeks after Easter. However, we offer a variety of adult educational activities and ministry opportunities that we encourage the neophytes to take advantage of. We have found that the sooner the neophytes becomes involved in a ministry or activity, the easier it is for them to continue to grow in faith.