Even though Catholics have been celebrating the Rite Christian Initiation of Adults for twenty five years, it is still a process that holds many mysteries for Catholics and Inquirers alike. As our parish opens it's doors to those considering initiation in the Catholic Church, we extend to all our most heartfelt greeting:  

"Welcome! Hopefully, we can help clear up some of the mystery . . ." 

If you - or someone you know - is interested in becoming a catholic-christian or simply have a few questions, please contact St. Matthew's RCIA Coordinators , Karen or  Brain Burford  at (614) 471-2067 You can also send 
E-Mail: Click here!  
 

By the Second Vatican Council, these churches were pressing for reform. The bishops of the Council responded with a mandate to revise the rite of baptism of adults, and to restore the catechumenate much like that of the early church. 

The time of the catechumenate, which is intended as a period of well-suited instruction, was divided into several steps and sanctified by liturgical rites to be celebrated - with the community - at successive intervals of time. In 1974, a new order of adult initiation was offered to the universal church. 

In 1988, the bishops of the United Sates approved and mandated the implementation of the final English translation of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. 

Terms

Catechumene - One who is not baptized and is preparing for full initiation at the Easter Vigil by receiving the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Eucharist.  

Elect - The name given to catechumens who celebrated the Rite of Election on the first Sunday of Lent, signifying their being chosen for the initiation sacraments.  

Inquirers - Those who are "inquiring" into Christianity in the Catholic tradition.  

Neophyte - One who is initiated at the Easter Vigil. The term comes from the Greek word meaning new plant, as in a new sprout on a limb or branch.  

What you can expect at Saint Matthew 

RCIA Inquirers begin meeting weekly by the end of September. The first session for the 1998-99 school-year will be held on Tuesday, September XX.  Meetings are on Tuesday at 7 PM in the Oval Room - the very first room on the left when you enter  church.  The church itself is handicap assessable. 

Saint Matthew is fortunate to have a dynamic, well-seasoned RCIA team dedicated to developing informative "lessons," and to making sure everyone feels at home.  

There is absolutely no obligation to continue the sessions - and there is absolutely no obligation to be initiated in the Cathloic Church  
 

Lectionary -The book used in liturgical celebrations that contains all the scripture readings of the three-year liturgical cycle: (A) Matthew, (B) Mark, (C) Luke. All three years incorporate John. 

Order of Christian Initiation of Adults -This is the official collection of rites of the Roman Catholic Church for initiation of adults, children of catechetical age and the reception of baptized candidates. 

Precatechumenate - The first period of the order of Christian Initiation of Adults which is the initial introduction of an Inquirer into Catholic tradition. It is also the period of evangelization on the part of the Church. 

Purification & Enlightenment - This is the Third period of the order which coinsides with the Lenten Season. It is the final period of preapration for initiation at the Easter Vigil.