RCIA at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church

RCIA

Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (R.C.I.A.) Assists adults (18 years old and older) 1) who are not baptized, 2) who have been baptized in other Christian denominations and 3) who have been baptized in the Catholic Church but have not been catechized. The process begins each fall, and includes weekly sessions on Tuesdays that include instruction, prayer and scripture study, retreats, blessings and prayer experiences. Candidates are received into the Church with Sacraments at the Easter Vigil.

Team members are needed in a number of roles, including catechists, hospitality providers and prayer leaders. Training is available.

Sponsors are needed to accompany candidates through the process as resources and representatives of the parish. Sponsors should be fully initiated (Confirmed), practicing Catholics in good standing in the Church.

Contact: Louisa Cahan 434-5549 or Charles Fleis 830-5271

Rite of Christian Initiation for Children of Catechetical Age (C.I.C.C.A.): Assists children (ages 7-17) who have not been baptized or have been baptized in other Christian denominations but wish to enter the Catholic Church. Preparation begins each fall, and includes preparation in the appropriate level of Religious Education and extra session that present the teaching of the Church and preparation for reception of Sacraments. All sacraments are received at the Easter Vigil.

Sponsors are needed to accompany the children and youth in the preparation process, and to stand with the child or youth during the reception of the Sacraments at the Easter Vigil. Sponsors should be fully initiated (i.e. confirmed), practicing Catholics in good standing in the Church.

Please see the information below on VIRTUS and PATHWAYS required for all catechists.

Contact: Louisa Cahan 434-5549

CATECHIST TRAINING (PATHWAYS)

Pathways is the preparation program provided for all who serve in catechetical programs in the Catholic Diocese of Richmond. Certification is available in three areas: Children, Youth, and Adult. Pathways is a self-directed, user-friendly, computer-based program. The cost of the program for all who serve as catechists is covered by the parish. Our goal is that all catechists become certified through this program. Although designed for catechists, this program is beneficial for all Catholics seeking to become more knowledgeable about their faith, and Blessed Sacrament offers this program to all interested adults of the parish.

SAFE ENVIRONMENT POLICY (VIRTUS)

The protection of minors and the provision of a safe environment for all programs in which minors are present is the utmost concern of the parish of Blessed Sacrament and the Catholic Diocese of Richmond. In pursuing this goal, all persons serving in programs which involve children who are 18 years or older are provided training in safe environment issues through VIRTUS, a national training program. These sessions are held at Blessed Sacrament and various locations around the diocese. There is no cost to the individual or parish for this training.

All catechists working with minors are screened through Child Protective Services and Volunteer Select to assure that there is no history of child abuse or criminal activity. These fees are covered through the parish.