Role of the ministries
The aim of these two ministries, Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) and Rite of Christian Initiation of Youth (RCIY) is to prepare seekers to receive the sacraments of Christian initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist). Seekers could be non-Catholic or Catholics who have not been catechized on the Catholic faith. The ministries also include members who are sponsors or companions to the seekers
What is RCIA/RCIY?
RCIA/RCIY describes a process in which men and women are guided and cared for as they awaken in faith and are gradually introduced to the Catholic way of life. While the formal RCIA/RCIY process tends to end some time after initiation, the RCIA/RCIY journey continues where as a baptised Catholic, they will continue to be lifelong and joyful disciples of Jesus Christ.
RCIA is a Journey
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults is a process that proceeds over weeks and months.
It has several steps:
Pre-Catechumenate
This is the earliest phase in the process; it is also known as the Period of Inquiry. Catechumens and Candidates acknowledge that Christ is calling them into the Church through the movement of the Holy Spirit. This is a time for seeking and reflection.
Rite of Initiation
The first Rite in the RCIA process, the Rite of Initiation accepts new members into the worshipping community.
Catechumenate
The longest part of the process, the Catechumenate is a time of learning and formation in the traditions and doctrine of the Catholic Church. This is a time for sharing stories, reading scripture, and studying the Church customs, traditions and doctrine. Participants also participate in worship services and various Church rituals.
Rite of Election
Catechumens and Candidates are chosen to be received by the bishop and the community and to receive the Sacraments of Initiation at Easter.
Sacraments of Initiation
At the Easter Vigil (Holy Saturday), all newly elected members of the community who have been journeying through the RCIA process are welcomed formally into the community of believers through receiving the Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.
Mystagogy
This is a time of reflection and celebration after the formal reception into the Catholic Church. Mystagogia means “leading into the mystery” and it is a time to explore the deep mystery of our faith and go forth to help build the reign of God on Earth as new members of the faithful
Who is it for?
Unbaptized adults/youths who wish to learn about the Catholic Church and her teachings with with an openness to becoming Roman Catholics are considered catechumens.
Baptized Christians from other Christian communities who are seeking full communion with the Roman Catholic Church are considered candidates. They will be receiving the Sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation.
Baptized but uncatechized Catholic adults/youths who were baptized as infants in the Catholic Church but were not given any religious upbringing within the Catholic Tradition will be prepared to receive the Sacraments of Penance, Confirmation and Eucharist. They are also considered seekers.
RCIY: Age 13-16
RCIA: Adults from age 17 and above
Who are Sponsor /Companion in RCIA/RCIY?
The role of a Sponsor or a Companion is not that of catechist. They are not expected to know every aspect of the Church’s teaching, but rather simply to be a guide, an example of Catholics living their faith as best as they can.
A Sponsor who can admit his or her limitations and who continually tries to grow is an excellent faith model. Sponsors and Companions are supported by the RCIA/RCIY Core Team of priests and members of whom can be called upon to help answer a seeker’s questions.
When do we meet?
RCIA: Meets twice a week. On Wednesdays, 8pm to 9:30pm for learning and teaching and on Sundays 9:30am for the first part of the Mass (Liturgy of the Word) and been sent to "breaking of the word".
RCIY: Meets every Sunday, 10:30am to 11:30am for catechism lesson, teaching of the Church doctrine and other activities.
(Note: When the young enquiries become “Catechumens”, they attend the mass on Sundays at 9:30am to participate in the Liturgy of the Word followed by a brief Breaking of the Word, before attending the regular 10:30am session.)
RCIY Team
The RCIY team of sponsors nurtures the spiritual growth, faith and knowledge of the young people in the RCIY journey through teaching, prayers and guidance. The sponsors help our youth know the Catholic Church by sharing their faith and life. The sponsors talk with the young people in the RCIY process about their experiences, feelings, and questions. Team members support the youth and make sure that they embrace the faith with an open heart and free will. The RCIY team also prays with them so the light of the Spirit will guide the minds and hearts of the young people in the RCIY journey seeking to receive the Sacraments of Initiation with the support of their parents or guardians.
RCIA Core Team: Francesca Goh, Sylvia de Costa, Joselle Sumayo and John Tan
RCIY Core Team: Agnes Paculdar and Bennett Tan
Join Us
If you are interested to join the programme and learn more about the catholic faith or join us as a catechist or sponsor please contact, the coordinators.
RCIA : Francesca Goh, francesca.goh@csfaministries.sg
RCIY: Agnes Paculdar, agnes.paculdar@csfaministries.sg
APPLICATION FORM
Application forms are available online https://www.csfa.sg/downloads, or come at the back of the parish secretariat office.
Or for more details, contact secretariat Tel. 6264 0078 / Email administrator@csfa.sg
Baptism (PHOTOS)
Date: SAT, MARCH 30, 2024
