Ministry Highlight Series Ep. 1: Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults [RCIA]

Today marks the first installment of a new series highlighting the many ministries at our parish. The goal of this series is to show how volunteering our time, talent, and treasure allows God’s work to be done with our hands.

The first ministry to be highlighted is the RCIA Ministry (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). Ministry leader Frank Miller and the team of volunteers, as well as the Catechumens and Candidates who participate, have all contributed.

“RCIA is central to the Church’s call to evangelize. ”

What is the history of your ministry at STA Parish?

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process by which adults enter the Church. Following the Second Vatican Council, the Rite was updated to its present form. At that time, the infant and young adult liturgy was also updated. St. Thomas the Apostle has had an RCIA ministry at least from the early 1980’s. RCIA is central to the Church’s call to evangelize. We welcome inquirers to the Catholic faith, Catholics and other baptized Christians seeking full communion with the Catholic Church as well as Catholic adults seeking to broaden their knowledge of Church teaching. The RCIA seeks each year to become a small Christian Community for the duration of the rite. All who participate contribute and are blessed by it.

What is your role in the ministry?

I (Frank) first became involved with the rite in 1985 when Fr. Richard Villenova was its moderator. Since that time, I have participated in this ministry in varying degrees and roles. This Spring will mark my second year as the ministry coordinator. Dr. Bob Miller led the RCIA ministry with great distinction for about 20 years up to that time. Over the years, I have accompanied over 100 new and returning Catholics. Each year we welcome inquirers who seek full initiation into the Church. Catechumens are those seeking Baptism, First Eucharist, and Confirmation. Baptized Christians who seek First Eucharist and or Confirmation are Candidates.

Describe the call you felt to participate in this particular ministry, and how you ended up joining the team.

 My 40-year work career has been in power generation and industrial maintenance. But it was RCIA that led me back to college as an adult. I received a B.A. degree in Philosophy and Catholic Tradition and an M.A. in Theology and Philosophy. Our RCIA has a history of wonderful witnesses to the faith and excellent teachers. We strive to maintain their legacy.

What does an average RCIA meeting look like? What are the general activities of a team member?

Our meetings generally follow a consistent format that provides structure and a relaxed environment. We begin after Sunday mass in the St. Thomas room in the Parish Center. We pray, have a topic presentation, a discussion, share the Sunday readings, and close with prayers and intercessions. We conduct the RCIA in its four prescribed parts. Each part has a specific focus toward the sacramental life of the Church.

The first few weeks are the Inquiry. Inquirers are introduced or re-introduced to Catholic Christianity by the beautiful Word on Fire Ministries’ Catholicism videos. The next part is the Catechumenate. This longest part begins with the Rite of Acceptance for Catechumens at Sacred Heart Cathedral in the beginning of November and lasts to the beginning of Lent. This part focuses on instruction in the faith and sacramental life. The third part is the Enlightenment during the weeks leading up to Easter. We read and reflect upon the Sunday scriptures using their four-fold senses as taught by the Church.

If we have any Catechumens, they receive the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil. These are Baptism, Confirmation and First Eucharist. Following Easter until Pentecost is the fourth part of the RCIA. Mystogogy is the time focused on life in the Church. We share experiences of active Catholic life in the parish and the wider Church. The RCIA process ends each year at Pentecost. Our candidates receive First Eucharist and/or Confirmation.

We recognize that is a challenging schedule for adults with work, school, and family commitments. The commitment of all participants demonstrates the work of the Holy Spirit. The practical evidence of this commitment is our excellent and committed RCIA volunteers at St. Thomas. Our volunteers minister in the RCIA often over many years. Some are past candidates who continue to serve the Church in this ministry. Each meeting is well planned with refreshment hospitality provided by our gracious volunteers. The call of the Holy Spirit leads people to the RCIA. In turn, our primary task is to put them at ease. We seek to inform them, address their questions, and encourage their experience in faith. Their questions need answers. These are the important questions of life. Why am I here? Is Christ calling me? What is this all about? Is there a point to this life? And many more, like “Why do Catholics do that?”

What is the importance of the RCIA ministry to the overall life and vitality of the parish?

RCIA is the way we evangelize people seeking a relationship with Jesus Christ in his Church. Although our meetings are after masses, there are rites and specific blessings for the catechumens entering the Church and candidates preparing to fulfill their initiation during masses at St. Thomas and on occasion at the Sacred Heart Cathedral. The process is integrated into parish life.

It is a very particular blessing to see so many former RCIA inquirers at mass on Sundays. Christian formation as an adult has proven to be transformative for a lifetime and thereby essential for the life of our parish.

What is the best thing about serving in this ministry?

My fellow volunteers and I often reflect on the great blessing we experience in this ministry. The faith of the inquirers inspires us. Each topic and discussion continue our own formation and encourages us to deeper faith life.

What is something that has surprised you about serving in this ministry?

There at two amazing blessings that may be surprises at first, but soon reveal themselves as actions of the Holy Spirit. The impact the many weeks of study, prayer, and community make overt and heartfelt changes in every single inquirer. The Gospel message is not lost on anyone. The second is the commitment and dedicated service of our current RCIA volunteers and also all those I had the pleasure of serving with over the last 30 odd years. Their generosity of spirit and willingness to accompany people walking their way to “Emmaus” are both a corporal and spiritual work of mercy.

What opportunities are there for people looking to get involved?

We welcome parishioners who wish to take part as volunteers or attend meetings in support of our inquirers. Great depth of knowledge or experience in religious instruction are not requirements. The only need is the desire to share your faith with people who wish to learn seek the full participation in the Catholic Church. Praying with them and encouraging them is good for the soul.

How can someone make an inquiry about joining the RCIA team?

Anyone interested in our RCIA ministry is welcome to contact us at rcia@stachurchbloomfield.org.