Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
Contact Paul Townend, (910) 792-1931
townendp@uncw.edu

RCIA- The process by which Adults become Catholic
We share our faith with others and keep the "Good News"
alive and well in today's world.

RCIA stands for "Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults." This process of formation is an ongoing mixture of instruction, faith sharing, prayer, fellowship and most importantly rites designed to immerse the interested in the riches of the Catholic faith. All members of the faith community share an equal responsibility in this process. This is in keeping with the roots of RCIA, which can be found in the early Church. New Christians entered into the joy of new life and a life-sharing community of faith.  This community growth placed both the Church and the individuals in great danger and therefore the preparation of the new members had to be dealt with carefully. Although we no longer risk death today, the need for special care in the process of initiation is still needed.

The process is made up of four periods or stages on this journey of faith.
The First Period is called the inquiry or pre-catechumenate period.  This is a time for questions to be asked and answered truthfully.  There is no preset instruction during this time.  All who attend are made as comfortable as possible and an atmosphere of discussion prevails. 
The Second Period  is called the catechumenate.  This is a time for serious study.  Those who have chosen to continue will be involved in more formalized instruction.  They do not enter this period alone.  The catechumens or those not baptized, will choose a godparent, and the candidates, or those previously baptized, will choose a sponsor.  These sponsors and godparents are their lifelines to the faith community. 
The Third Period of this journey is called Purification and Enlightenment.  This coincides with the Lenten period.  The catechumens and candidates are now called the elect.  As for all the Church, this Lenten period is a time of intense prayer and reflection for the Elect.  This period culminates at the Easter Vigil Mass.  It is at this time that the Elect receive all the sacraments of Initiation.  Sometimes called Easter Fire it is now that these new Catholics burn with their great love of God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and The bride, the Church. 
The Fourth and Final Period  is called Mystagogia.  this is a time to ease the neophytes into full communion with their community of faith.  This period is Pentecost.

Inquiry Sessions are held year round on Wednesday evenings at 6:00 PM in the church Library.
During the school year, Catechumenate classes follow Inquiry at 7:00 PM in church classroom #7.
-A schedule will be available for the school year.

Please watch the bulletin for changes, or contact Paul Townend at (910) 792-1931 , townendp@uncw.edu.

The people of St. Mark have been overwhelmingly successful in their evangelization efforts.  We thank all of them for their good work.  We also encourage them to go one step further and help us in these Good Works, which God has asked of us.  Please consider sharing your faith!!