RCIA

New to the Church? Seeking answers to your questions about God? We’re here to talk…
Catholics are a people who celebrate the body. We affirm the goodness of creation – things like food, drink, music, and art – because we are an  incarnational people. We believe that God’s very self was incarnated (that is, made flesh) in the person of Jesus of Nazareth.

And we also believe that very real, human, resurrected body of Jesus of Nazareth is now in heaven, taken up into the very life of God. Because Jesus’ Body is in heaven, we have hope that our bodies will someday rise from the grave and join his in glory. As St. John Chrysostom writes, “He ascended, and with Him our body ascended also… for where the Head is, there is the body also.” That is the joy of the ascension: that pain, suffering, and even death are temporary, and that in Christ life will be restored for eternity.

To learn more about what Catholics believe about Jesus and the resurrection of the dead, join us at one of our Adult Initiation session. Contact Fr. Andrew Thornton at 317-849-9245 or [email protected] for details.

Each Monday night, Holy Spirit hosts inquiry sessions for those who are not Catholic and are interested in learning more about what it means to have a relationship with God as a Catholic Christian and to ask questions about what we believe. These informal sessions are directed by the attendees and provide opportunities to reflect the Sunday Scripture readings. We focus on getting to understand what it means to know and follow Jesus Christ. All are welcome to any inquiry session.

If you are interested in becoming Catholic contact Fr. Thornton at [email protected]  or 317-849-9245

Or join us for open inquiry sessions on Monday nights at 7 PM in the Parish Life Center beginning June 21 to ask questions and learn together.
 

Introductory Brochure click here for pdf

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults is a formation process designed for adults who are considering joining the Catholic Church. Through a program consisting of presentations, discussions, study, prayer and participation in the life of the parish, individuals learn the beliefs, teachings and traditions of the Roman Catholic Church and prepare to celebrate the sacraments of Initiation, Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.

Adults who are interested in exploring the Catholic faith may begin the RCIA process at any time by participating in Inquiry.

Steps in the RCIA process:

Inquiry (also known as the pre-Catechumenate) is the first step in the process. It is exactly what the name suggests-a time to ask questions about Catholic faith and practice. Inquiry meetings are shaped by the questions and experiences of those who are participating.  The transition from the period of Inquiry into more formal preparation for the sacraments of initiation is celebrated through the Rite of Acceptance (non-baptized persons) or the Rite of Welcome (for those baptized in another Christian tradition).  Inquiry sessions are offered throughout the year. A person may attend multiple Inquiry sessions.

Catechumenate is a more formal preparation for the sacraments. This is a time for the community to systematically and thoroughly present the Catholic faith to the catechumens (unbaptized person) and candidates (baptized person). It allows ample opportunity for the catechumen or candidate to be formed in God’s Word (Sacred Scripture), Worship (primarily the Mass), Community (being with and doing as Catholics do) and Outreach. The transition from this stage is celebrated with the diocesan Bishop in the Rite of Election (unbaptized) or Call to Continuing Conversion (baptized).

Purification and Enlightenment occurs during the season of Lent.  Those preparing for baptism who have celebrated the Rite of Election (the “Elect”) prepare more intensely as they ready themselves for the sacraments. On the 3rd, 4th and 5th Sundays of Lent, the parish prays for them in a special way.  

Adults are baptized, confirmed and receive Eucharist for the first time at the Easter Vigil.

Candidates for full communion of the Catholic Church may make a profession of faith and be received into the Catholic Church at almost any time of the year.

The newly initiated aren’t “done” after celebrating the sacraments, but enter into a time called Mystagogy. They continue to learn and understand their faith, but from a different perspective because they have studied as well as experienced the sacramental life of the church.