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CajunRick
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Posted: Fri Mar 14th, 2008 01:21 am |
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WASHINGTON—Tens of thousands of people from around the country will be received into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil, Holy Saturday, on March 22, through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). Called catechumens, they will be baptized, confirmed and receive Holy Communion on that day. In addition, others known as candidates and who already have a valid baptism will be admitted into full communion with the Catholic Church.
The numbers vary across dioceses and people joining are of every age and come from all walks of life. The Diocese of Orange, California, for example, will baptize more than 650 people and welcome more than 500 others into full communion at the Easter Vigil. In Texas, the Diocese of Austin reports it will welcome 314 are catechumens and 522 candidates; the Diocese of Fort Worth welcomes 390 catechumens and 529 candidates.
Most of those coming into the church through the RCIA program are adults, but in some instances children are part of both groups, usually as families enter the church together.
Mark Ma, a second year student at the University of Virginia, who has a major in economics and a minor in philosophy, was born in Beijing, to agnostic parents. A self-defined hard-line atheist through high school, he started talking to Christians of different denominations, read a few Christian works and began to pray. After soul searching and historical research he found his home in the Catholic Church.
In Tucson, Steven Parceluzzi, 41, was admitted last June to Tucson Medical Center in Palo Verde. There, he met the hospital chaplain, Father Bill Kohler. Parceluzzi had not been raised with any religion, but had relatives in Italy who were Catholic. Father Kohler told Parceluzzi he recognized the struggle he faced and that the priest and his parish community would be there to support him if he needed them. After his release from the hospital, Parceluzzi pursued the RCIA at St. Cyril of Alexandria parish. His conversion led to his wife, Terri, his mother, Nina, and his niece, Jennifer, joining him in embracing the faith.
In most instances, there is a sentiment of finally coming home. When Kimberly Grub moved from Texas to Rhode Island, she decided to embark up on something she’d been wanting to do for a long time: get closer to God. Feeling the discomfort that comes in moving to a new place, she found comfort and community at St. Lucy’s Church in Middletown.
In a look around the country, the Archdiocese of Detroit registers some of the largest numbers with 589 catechumens receiving full initiation and 497 candidates from other Christian traditions being received into full communion. Although technically not part of the RCIA, 289 baptized Catholics will also receive confirmation and Eucharist.
In Ohio, the Archdiocese of Cincinnati will welcome during the Easter Vigil 437 catechumens and 541 candidates for a total of 978 people; another 65 candidates were brought into the Church at other times during the year. The Diocese of Cleveland will baptize 327 people and receive 526 candidates into full communion for a total of 853 people.
The Diocese of Lansing, Michigan, follows closely with 339 Catechumens and 447 candidates. The Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon will welcome 396 catechumens and 355 candidates.
Some smaller dioceses report significant gains as well. Birmingham, Alabama, a small mission diocese, reports 97 catechumens and 306 candidates. The Rite of Election at the beginning of Lent had to be held in three separate ceremonies to fit everyone, catechumens, candidates, sponsors and guests, in the cathedral church and other venues.
The Diocese of Charleston, South Carolina, will baptize 120 catechumens and welcome 321 candidates. The Diocese of Colorado Springs reports 119 catechumens and 192 candidates, while Fargo, North Dakota will welcome 142 people, 23 to be baptized and 119 to be brought into full communion. The Diocese of Savannah, Georgia, counts 84 to be baptized and 267 to be received into communion. Among those to be baptized is a young quadriplegic man from a parish in the town of Macon.
The Archdiocese of Hartford, Connecticut, will welcome 78 catechumens and 74 candidates, and will bring to sacramental life another 108 baptized Catholics who had not previously received all sacraments of Christian initiation. The Hartford Archdiocese reports a large Hispanic contingent coming from the Waterbury and New Haven areas.
These numbers are supplemented by the baptisms of infants that occur in parishes throughout the year. It is estimated that more than a million infant baptisms will take place in the U.S. during 2008.
The Rite of Christian initiation of Adults is an ancient rite that was reinstated after the Second Vatican Council and is the regular way for adults to come into the Church.
According to the latest annual figures from the Official Catholic Directory, almost 64,500 adults were baptized in the church in the United States last year, and almost 93,000 came into full communion.
The above article is reposted with permission of the U. S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Office of Media Relations
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Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
Rick Luquette
Luquette Lane
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DrDave
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| Joined: | Mon Nov 6th, 2006 |
| Location: | Mildura, Australia |
| Posts: | 247 |
| First Name: | Dave | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Cradle - Lapsed - Renewed Catholic |
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Posted: Fri Mar 14th, 2008 01:49 am |
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CajunRick wrote: Some smaller dioceses report significant gains as well. Birmingham, Alabama, a small mission diocese, reports 97 catechumens and 306 candidates.
Isn't that where EWTN comes to us from? (The bastion of batist country?)
Regards Doc
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Didi
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| Joined: | Mon Mar 3rd, 2008 |
| Location: | Oregon USA |
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| First Name: | Didi | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Catholic; almost left; Now an On-Fire Catholic! |
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Posted: Fri Mar 14th, 2008 01:52 am |
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This warms my heart! 
Let's all remember to pray for our newest family members since their journey doesn't end at Easter Vigil, but just begins! 
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DrDave
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| Joined: | Mon Nov 6th, 2006 |
| Location: | Mildura, Australia |
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| First Name: | Dave | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Cradle - Lapsed - Renewed Catholic |
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Posted: Fri Mar 14th, 2008 02:15 am |
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I was just listening to a podcast of Catholic Answers Live (Marcus was on 14 Mar 08 )from a couple of weeks ago with Marcellino D'Ambrosio
Anyway he was talking about lent and he pointed out the other occurances of the number 40 throughout the bible, the more obvious one's being Jesus' time in the desert, and that passage from genesis where it rained a lot, but also Moses going up onto the mountain of God for 40 days and Elijah fasting for 40 days, and of course the wandering in the desert for 40 years.
The thing that really caught my attention however was that he pointed out that 40 is an important number from nature as well, with a human pregnancy lasting 40 weeks. He suggested that Lent was symbolic of the "pregnant church" who will give "new birth" to all of those catechumen's mentioned earlier at easter. So I say welcome  to all of those who will be "born" into our midst, and Happy Birthday to all of those who joined at previous Easters  .
Regards Doc
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MysticalRose128
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Posted: Sat Mar 15th, 2008 11:08 pm |
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Hi, all ... I'd like to humbly share this recent experience: I am fortunate to live within the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. I attended the Rite of Election with my RCIA group at the Basillica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in D.C. in mid-February. I was so very, very moved at how many souls have sought out and chose to become Catholic! How Jesus must love them so very much.
This experience has led me to realize that EVERY ONE OF US is a child of God, no matter the color, size, race, background, or bank account.
Welcome Home to all ... and may all souls be richly blessed in faith this Easter season, and for the rest of our lives!!
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Mater Dolorosa, cause of our joy -- pray for us!
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Didi
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| Joined: | Mon Mar 3rd, 2008 |
| Location: | Oregon USA |
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| First Name: | Didi | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Catholic; almost left; Now an On-Fire Catholic! |
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Posted: Sun Mar 16th, 2008 02:47 am |
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DrDave wrote: 40 is an important number from nature as well, with a human pregnancy lasting 40 weeks. He suggested that Lent was symbolic of the "pregnant church" who will give "new birth" to all of those catechumens
That's beautiful! I haven't heard that reference before! Thanks for sharing.
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CajunRick
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| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Houma, Louisiana USA |
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Posted: Mon Mar 17th, 2008 01:37 am |
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MysticalRose128 wrote: I attended the Rite of Election with my RCIA group at the Basillica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in D.C. in mid-February. I was so very, very moved at how many souls have sought out and chose to become Catholic! How Jesus must love them so very much.
I have always thought the Rite of Election/Call to Continuing Conversion is one of the most beautiful, significant ceremonies in the entire Church. RCIA is personal journey, but on the First Sunday of Lent, for the very first time, those entering the Church get a vision of the true universal nature of the Catholic Church, and the idea of apostolic succession as their own bishop welcomes them to the faith. And knowing that the same is happening in every diocese in the Latin Rite world wide, is just astounding.
It saddens me that so many RCIA programs downplay the rituals, and so many people choose not to participate.
The Easter Vigil is more significant, especially for those being baptized, but it is the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion that gives a true vision of the Church.
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Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
Rick Luquette
Luquette Lane
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Hidden One
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| Joined: | Thu Feb 28th, 2008 |
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| First Name: | H1 | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | lax Presbyterian -> pseudo-Arminian non-denom -> heretical Presbyterian -> ... |
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Posted: Mon Mar 17th, 2008 08:55 pm |
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It saddens me that so many RCIA programs downplay the rituals, and so many people choose not to participate.
Mine just did 'em wrong. Candidates aren't catechumens. [/abortedrant]
Last edited on Mon Mar 17th, 2008 09:05 pm by Hidden One
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1 John 4:7-12
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abbycat
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| Joined: | Thu Jan 17th, 2008 |
| Location: | Maryland USA |
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| First Name: | abby | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Non-Denomational Charismatic, Lutheran |
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Posted: Sun Mar 23rd, 2008 01:38 am |
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Could someone tell me when in the Easter Vigil candidates are fully taken into the church and receive their first Eucharist?
abby
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<*)))><
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CajunRick
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| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
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Posted: Sun Mar 23rd, 2008 05:40 am |
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abbycat wrote: Could someone tell me when in the Easter Vigil candidates are fully taken into the church and receive their first Eucharist?
abby
At the Easter Vigil celebration on Holy Saturday. It happened last night as I write this!
We had three baptisms in my parish, and the Vigil mass was followed by a double wedding! (The third is engaged to be married in our parish in May.)
____________________
Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
Rick Luquette
Luquette Lane
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Intercessor
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| Joined: | Tue Sep 25th, 2007 |
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Posted: Sun Mar 23rd, 2008 05:43 am |
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Hi, Abby,
Let's see. I just got home from Easter Vigil. Wonder how badly I will embarrass myself here. Someone will correct me, if I'm wrong.
After the lengthy Scripture readings from both Old and New Testaments but before the renewal of baptismal promises, a candidate (already baptized) is asked to come forward to make the public Profession of Faith and to receive the annointing of oil. After the candidate returns to his/her seat, all Catholics present renew their baptismal promises before the Mass begins. The new Catholic is usually the first lay person served the Eucharist during that Mass, after the priests and servers.
Is that right, Rick?
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"He who will persevere unto the end is not he who will never fall, but he who after every fall will humble himself and rise again, relying on the infinite strength of God." Divine Intimacy, p. 885 Father Gabriel, O.C.D.
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CajunRick
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Posted: Sun Mar 23rd, 2008 03:03 pm |
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Intercessor wrote: After the lengthy Scripture readings from both Old and New Testaments but before the renewal of baptismal promises, a candidate (already baptized) is asked to come forward to make the public Profession of Faith and to receive the annointing of oil. After the candidate returns to his/her seat, all Catholics present renew their baptismal promises before the Mass begins. The new Catholic is usually the first lay person served the Eucharist during that Mass, after the priests and servers.
The service begins with the lighting of the new fire and Easter Candle which is carried into the darkened church. Then the Easter Proclaimation is sung.
This is followed by the Liturgy of the Word which chronicles the history of the relationship between God and man, starting with "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." The transition from the old to the new covenant is marked by the singing of the Gloria ("Glory to God in the highest") and the ringing of the bells.
The Liturgy of Baptism follows. Catechumens are baptized, the entire congregation renews their baptismal promises, candidates for full communion make their profession of faith, and then both the former catechumens and candidates are confirmed.
The Liturgy of the Eucharist is the final portion of the service. From the Prayers of the Faithful onward, the mass is celebrated as usual, although normally with a few more "smells and bells". The newly initiated Catholics may be given a place of honor since they are making their first communion, but that is not necessary.
So yes, you were absolutely correct.
Our service had an additional element last night. After the mass was over, we had a double wedding as two of our catechumens had their marriages convalidated.
____________________
Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
Rick Luquette
Luquette Lane
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JasPax
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| Joined: | Wed Nov 22nd, 2006 |
| Location: | North Carolina USA |
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Posted: Sun Mar 23rd, 2008 04:27 pm |
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Welome to All,
Our parish had 25 enter the Church last night. There were 16 catechumens baptized (immersed) and 9 candidates. All then received Confirmation and First Communion.
Marvelous! I was a sponsor for the first time and it was a renewing experience for me. I thank God every day that I (finally) came home to Christ's Church.
No disrespect intended. But I wish I could take buses to my former Protestant Parish, load those good people up and bring them to the fullness of the faith! If they only knew !
God's Blessings
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James
"Abide in me, and I in you..." John 15:4
"He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him." John 6:56
RSV-2CE
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Marcia
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| Joined: | Tue Feb 26th, 2008 |
| Location: | Butler, Pennsylvania USA |
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Posted: Sun Mar 23rd, 2008 05:12 pm |
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CajunRick wrote: Our service had an additional element last night. After the mass was over, we had a double wedding as two of our catechumens had their marriages convalidated.
I think that the marriages would truly add something the the Easter vigil last night. I'm sure that these two catechumens won't forget this special night in their lives.
I'm curious, though, as to why it was done after they joined the Church. My priest would not let me join the Church until my husband and I were renewed our vows in the Catholic church.
Welcome to everyone who joined last night and Happy Birthday to everyone else. I also wish everyone a blessed Easter.
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Marcia
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