The Rites of Christian Initiation of Adults

The Rite of Acceptance:The Rite of Acceptance is the first rite of the RCIA process. It takes place within the context of a Sunday Mass. Those wishing to enter into the second phase of the RCIA (the Precatechumenate or study phase) make a public commitment to accept way of the cross, and the worshipping community, the members of our parish family, publicly welcome these individuals and promise to support them in their ongoing journey of faith. The candidates (baptized) and catechumens (unbaptized) are signed with the sign of the cross to remind them of their commitment, and they also receive the Word of God, to remind them that the Scriptures are the source of our faith.

The Rite of Sending: The Rite of Sending is celebrated in our parish the week before the Rite of Election, and is a sending forth rite, which symbolizes the parish sending the candidates to the cathedral the next week with our love, prayers and support .

The Rite of Election: The Rite of Election is a celebration that is held at St. Peter's Cathedral in the Rockford Diocese. It is also celebrated on the same day at all Dioceses in the world. Those wishing to be Baptized or Received in to Full Communion of the Catholic Church come together to officially enter their names in the "Book of the Elect," which signifies their intention to be initiated at the Easter Vigil. The Bishop joyfully welcomes those to be baptized as children of God, as well as those who have already been baptized but seek full communion of the Catholic Church.

The Pennitential Rite and Scrutinies: The the Penitential Rite and the 3 Scrutinies are rites designed to help those seeking initiation into the Catholic Church to overcome their areas of weakness, and to strengthen their areas of goodness. The parish family joins in prayer with them, asking God to purify them and help them be ready to receive the sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil. The Scrutinies are designed for the unbaptized, and take place at 3 separate Masses in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th Sundays in Lent. The Penitential Rite is designed for the Baptized, and takes place during a Mass on the 2nd Sunday in Lent

For More Information, call Director of RCIA at St. Mary,
Larry Cubalchini 847-830-0198 or email Larry Cubalchini

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