-
RCIA News!
(R) Rite of
(C) Christian(I) Initiation of
(A) AdultsWe still have a few more RCIA sessions to go. The year usually ends with Pentecost.
If you or anyone you know are thinking about joining the Catholic Church, call one of the priests, Deacon Rich, or Sister Jane. Do not wait too long. Formal weekly session will begin the last Tuesday in August.
We are now into the second part of the Mass called the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Many people fail to realize the importance of the offertory, but this is truly leading us to the climax of the Mass. This is the time when we offer our lives to God by our generosity to the collection. The money we give is a symbol of our lives. This is why the collection basket is put near the altar. The bread and wine also become another symbol. We place the joys of our lives on the paten with the host and our sorrows with the wine. Together, the priest will offer us to the Lord to be changed and transformed with the bread and wine into The Lord’s Body and Blood. Because we are singing, we often miss this opportunity to become part of this sacrifice. In how many Masses have you missed this important idea?
Here are the photos and bios of our candidates and elect → → → → →
-
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
God calls all of us to salvation; our journeys, however, may take many different paths. For some the journey began in Baptism as a newborn child; but for others, the journey could be winding. RCIA is the process for welcoming adults into the faith tradition of the Roman Catholic Church.
The program is designed for adults...
- Who have not been baptized in any religion
- Who have been baptized in another faith tradition and desire to be in full communion with the Catholic Church
- Who were baptized Roman Catholic, but did not receive the sacraments of Eucharist and/or Confirmation
RCIA meets weekly on Tuesdsayevenings for an hour and a half. This is usually a nine-month period, but can be extended due to individual need.
The purpose of the process is to form adults in the faith by informing them in Scripture and Catholic Tradition, and by transforming them through a solid relationship with God in prayer and the celebration of Mass.
Understanding the process
Your participation in RCIA will take you through different stages. A brief description of each stage is detailed below.
- Pre-Catechumenate: A period of time where the adult inquires about the Catholic faith, begins to join the parish community at Mass and social occasions, and begins to study the teachings of the Church.
- Rite of Acceptance and Welcoming: This is a ceremony that takes place during Mass in which those in RCIA publicly profess their desire to begin a more intense study and practice of the Catholic faith.
- Catechumenate: In this stage the candidate delves deeper into the study of Scripture and the Traditions of the Catholic Church. They live the Catholic faith in order to test whether they can make a lifetime commitment.
- Rite of Election: Another ceremony in which the Bishop of the Diocese of Cleveland embraces all those coming into the Church and blesses them as they begin the last stage of their preparation.
- Purification and Enlightenment: This is the final and perhaps the most intense period of preparation as the catechumen/candidate enters into the Lenten season of forty days. It is a time of prayer and fasting so that the spirit will be strengthened and the roots of their faith will grow deeper. Our catechumens are now called “The Elect.”
- Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation: On the night before Easter, the Catholic Church prays their most beautiful liturgy as they walk with the catechumen into the waters of Baptism and receive the Professions of Faith of the candidates. The newly baptized become our “neophytes.”
- Mystagogy: A short period of time for each of us to reflect on the miracle that God has given to us.
It may seem complicated, but do not worry. Our RCIA team walks the journey with you and your sponsor. We are there to prayerfully, socially, and faithfully support you. If you or someone you know seems to be feeling God’s call to become a member of the Roman Catholic Church, we welcome you and promise to help you discern what God may be desiring for you.
* * * * * * * * * *
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2019 CANDIDATES AND ELECT!
Kaylee Bade ~ Kaylee is an Olmsted Falls Middle School 8th grader. She loves art, music, and animals. She plans to become a veterinarian or a nurse. Kaylee is shy until she gets to know you and then she will be your best friend.
Jeremy Edwards ~ I married my lovely bride, Teresa, in 2003. We moved to Olmsted Falls and have been parishioners at St. Mary of the Falls since then. I have two amazing children, Aubrey-9 and Dylan-6, who are both furthering their education and faith here at SMOF school. For whatever reason, I was never baptized into the Catholic church but grew up in a Catholic family. Seeing my wife take an active role in the church as a Eucharistic Minister as well as feeling that, if my children were learning and practicing the Catholic way, I knew I should learn it and live it as well. RCIA classes have quickly grown to be one of my favorite nights of the week as Sr. Jane has done a terrific job giving us a crash course on what it means to enter into God’s family and realizing that it is not something to take lightly. I hope I can use these teachings as my foundation to grow and prosper as a Catholic and as a person in general.
Calla Gill ~ Calla was baptized and confirmed into the Catholic faith at the Easter Vigil this year. She is already on the leadership team for the REACH | Young Adults Ministry and works alongside the parish leaders as a FORMED ambassador, to help share the resources of the Catholic faith among the St. Mary of the Falls community. Calla is an active member of RCIA and plans to return to help lead others to the Catholic faith, beginning with the new RCIA class later this year. Calla is an artist, musician, writer, and loves to cook. She chose Saint Catherine of Bologna as her name Saint, after feeling a connection to Catherine’s various creative interests and pious example of faith.
Renay Mamone ~ I have been married for ten years to my wonderful husband, Michael, and have two beautiful daughters, Addyson (8) and Ava (6). I have lived in Olmsted Falls all my life. Growing up, I have always wanted to become Catholic. When I was younger, I would go to church with my friends. I have also always gone to church with my husband and we are currently bringing our children up Catholic. Through RCIA I received the sacrament of Baptism. RCIA has been a life changing experience for me. It has provided a foundation of who I am and what I am called to do in life. I have become a better person for my family, friends and acquaintances throughout this enlightening program. I look forward to my future in the Catholic faith.
Clint Miller ~ I can’t believe a year has flown by and now I have been accepted into one of the most welcoming communities I have ever had the opportunity to join. I was born and raised in Norton, Ohio, and then lived in Providence, Rhode Island for about 4 years while I attended Johnson & Wales University. I graduated with a BS in Culinary Arts and Food Service Management and met Alexandra, who I now have the privilege of calling my wife. Alex and I live in Olmsted Falls right around the corner from St. Mary of the Falls. I am the Food & Beverage Director/Sommelier at Lakewood Country Club in Westlake. Through my time spent with Alex I decided that one of the best things I could do for us and our future family was to participate in RCIA. I think it is one of the best choices I have made. I look forward to a lifelong relationship with the Holy Trinity and this wonderful community.
Nam Ngyen ~ I was born in Vietnam and immigrated to the United States. I am very proud of my roots. As a father, I am helping to navigate my son from "toddlerhood" to adulthood. I was a certified CPA, but this certification did not transfer so now I’m working to be re-certified. So I became a "road warrior" as a driver. Last year I was saddened by the death of my uncle who is a fallen officer. I am thrilled to have received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist and am happy to be a part of the Catholic Church.
Kenneth Weiland ~ Ken Weiland is married to his wonderful wife, Karen, for 28 years and their daughter, Angela is in her first year of college. Ken retired from NASA. His hobbies include antique cars, woodworking and bowling. Ken was baptized at St. John’s United Church of Christ in Milan, Ohio and is has made his Profession of Faith in the Catholic Church here at St. Mary of the Falls.
Ashley Yuschak ~ Ashley grew up in Olmsted Falls. She graduated from Olmsted Falls High School in 2004. She attended Davis & Elkins College in Elkins, WV where she graduated in 2009 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sport Management and Minor in Business Administration. She currently resides in North Ridgeville. Ashley perceived a desire to learn more about the Catholic Church, with the possibility of becoming Catholic, when she and her fiancé started the marriage process. She began this journey with an open heart and mind. The RCIA program has provided an opportunity for her to grow in faith and knowledge of the Catholic faith. She looks forward to her future with her fiancé at St. Mary of the Falls where they will be exchanging their vows this Fall.