St. James Catholic Church, Omaha, NE

RCIA at St. James is a faith journey providing an opportunity to grow and deepen in faith while discovering how God is active in everyday life. Whether a person has a strong faith with a lot of religious formation or none at all, RCIA is a chance to learn more about the Catholic Church. Participants in RCIA, through sharing and discussion about Catholic beliefs and practices, learn about the Catholic Church. The RCIA process includes presentations, sharing, and questions and answers about the Church and its beliefs, sacraments, traditions, customs and symbols. It is a requirement for all participants in the RCIA to have a sponsor who is willing to accompany them through this process. This personal sponsor (a spouse, friend, or relative) must be a practicing Catholic. If a personal sponsor does not meet this requirement or if the person does not want to choose a personal sponsor, arrangements will be made for a parish sponsor.

Catechumens and Candidates Those who are not baptized are called, "Catechumens". They begin meeting in the Pre-catechumenate (at least six months to one year before the Fall sessions) studying topics on Christianity, Catholicism, and Scripture. These sessions are held to help prepare the catechumens for entering the September instruction sessions in preparation for the celebration of the Initiation Sacraments of Baptism, First Eucharist, and Confirmation at the Easter Vigil. Those who are baptized in another Christian tradition are called "Candidates". They will begin the RCIA sessions in September, based on their level of instruction and understanding about Christianity, the Church, and faith. They may need to attend the pre-catechumenate sessions before entering the Fall sessions. At the Easter Vigil, the candidates make a Professions of Faith, receive First Communion and Confirmation in the Catholic Church.

Those people baptized Catholic who have not experienced any religious instruction in the faith and who are seeking to receive their First Communion and/or Confirmation will also join the RCIA process before receiving Sacraments. They also may need to attend the Pre-catechumenate for one year. The RCIA process is designed to respect the dignity of all Baptisms and the value of all religious backgrounds. In the RCIA process participants will meet and get to know others who are on their "spiritual journey" while involved in the RCIA journey. A baptismal certificate is required for all baptized RCIA participants. This proof of baptism can be obtained by contacting the church where the Baptism took place. This can be a baptismal Certificate or letter.

Opportunities for Spiritual Growth RCIA is a process that provides basic information about Christianity and the Catholic Church. In addition it provides an opportunity to experience a Catholic Christian community worshiping, praising, sharing, socializing and fellowship. The community journeys together, learning and educating themselves on their life-long journey, seeking to know God better and to develop a love relationship with God.

RCIA Meeting Schedule Catechumens and candidates with no previous religious education need to contact the parish office to begin the RCIA process. Those individuals not baptized are required to attend the Pre-catechumenate sessions. These sessions (focusing on learning about Christianity, Catholicism, and Scripture) will be scheduled on an individual basis. Pre-catechumen sessions begin with your call at any time, so call 402-572-0499, as soon as possible to start the process. The RCIA Fall sessions are held every Wednesday evening, 7:30 to 9:30 pm, in the Parish Center. These sessions are held September through Easter and Pentecost (April or May.)

HOW DO I REGISTER OR BECOME A SPONSOR? Please print this page. Return the completed page to the parish office, or you can put the form in the offering basket. St. James Catholic Church, 9025 Larimore, Omaha, NE 68134-2797. Attention: Bob May. rlmay@stjamescatholicchurch.org

ST. JAMES RCIA REGISTRATION FORM FOR CATECHUMENS, CANDIDATES, AND SPONSORS

____   I am interested in RCIA and am not Baptized.
____   I am interested in RCIA and am Baptized.
____   I am interested in being a sponsor.
____   I would like the person listed below to be invited as an inquirer to RCIA. I have discussed joining the Catholic
                  Church with him/her.

          My name: _______________________________________________

Name __________________________________________________

Address with Zip __________________________________________

Phone(s) ________________________________________________

email ___________________________________________________

Date __________________________

St. James Catholic Church Attn: Bob May
9025 Larimore Ave., Omaha, NE 68134-2797
   402-572-0499