St. James the Greater and St. Thomas the Apostle

The RCIA program is divided into four distinct periods. As people move from one stage to the next, they celebrate certain rites with the Catholic community:

Precatechumenate: This is a period of informal inquiry into Christianity as practiced in the Catholic Church. During regular group meetings, conversation centers around the questions that inquirers bring about becoming Catholic. Each participant decides when to move on to the next stage. Should an inquirer decide to proceed, he or she participates in the Rite of Acceptance, celebrated during the Sunday liturgy, and is welcomed to the Parish community.
Catechumenate: During this period the candidates (baptized) and catechumens (unbaptized) are invited to move more deeply into communion with God and the parish community. We also meet regularly to explore the Sunday readings further and to discuss various Catholic Christian teachings in the context of our lives. Those who decide to become Catholic move to the next stage by celebrating the Rite of Election on the first Sunday of Lent.
Purification & Enlightenment: This period coincides with the six-week Lenten preparation for Easter. It is a time for more intense deepening of our relationship with Jesus and each other. We open ourselves to God's grace, acknowledging our weaknesses and celebrating God's healing presence in our lives. At the Easter Vigil the catechumens celebrate the sacraments of initiation – Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist - with the Parish community and, along with the candidates, enter into full communion with the Church.
Mystagogy: The RCIA group meets until Pentecost Sunday. During this period we share our experiences of Holy Week and explore our baptismal commitment to building God's reign on earth. As the RCIA journey ends, integration of the newly baptized and confirmed into the Catholic community continues. The entire Parish is responsible for the ongoing welcoming and nurturing of our new members.

	RCIA

	RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is a gradual initiation into the Catholic tradition and a way of life based on the teachings, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults will begin again in September. The sessions for the R.C.I.A. process are for adults for their faith sharing and instruction. The sessions are 1-1 1//2 hours long, on a week night, twice a month. Don’t wait any longer to invite others to be Baptized Catholic! Don’t wait any longer to become a fully initiated member of the Catholic Church! Don’t wait any longer to have your questions answered! Call the Religious Education office at 973-948-7004, and your call will be returned. The Four Stages of RCIA The RCIA program is divided into four distinct periods. As people move from one stage to the next, they celebrate certain rites with the Catholic community: Precatechumenate: This is a period of informal inquiry into Christianity as practiced in the Catholic Church. During regular group meetings, conversation centers around the questions that inquirers bring about becoming Catholic. Each participant decides when to move on to the next stage. Should an inquirer decide to proceed, he or she participates in the Rite of Acceptance, celebrated during the Sunday liturgy, and is welcomed to the Parish community. Catechumenate: During this period the candidates (baptized) and catechumens (unbaptized) are invited to move more deeply into communion with God and the parish community. We also meet regularly to explore the Sunday readings further and to discuss various Catholic Christian teachings in the context of our lives. Those who decide to become Catholic move to the next stage by celebrating the Rite of Election on the first Sunday of Lent. Purification & Enlightenment: This period coincides with the six-week Lenten preparation for Easter. It is a time for more intense deepening of our relationship with Jesus and each other. We open ourselves to God's grace, acknowledging our weaknesses and celebrating God's healing presence in our lives. At the Easter Vigil the catechumens celebrate the sacraments of initiation – Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist - with the Parish community and, along with the candidates, enter into full communion with the Church. Mystagogy: The RCIA group meets until Pentecost Sunday. During this period we share our experiences of Holy Week and explore our baptismal commitment to building God's reign on earth. As the RCIA journey ends, integration of the newly baptized and confirmed into the Catholic community continues. The entire Parish is responsible for the ongoing welcoming and nurturing of our new members. Please contact Mrs. Patricia Hope, Pastoral Associate, regarding any questions or inquires relating to our RCIA program.