The Mystagogy Segment of the RCIA at St. Simon Parish, Indianapolis, Indiana
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Author
Lenar, Richard
Date
2010
Degree
Master of Arts in Pastoral Theology
Abstract
The idea for this project is a result of my involvement with the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults
(RCIA) at St. Simon parish in Indianapolis, Indiana. For many years, St. Simon has had a vibrant RCIA
program which has provided the catechetical instruction and spiritual preparation which are essential to
prepare candidates and catechumens to receive the sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil. Every year,
a group of adults would complete the program and be received into the Church on Holy Saturday. As
implemented at St. Simon, the whole initiation process has been very successful.
However, like many parishes today, at St. Simon the RCIA did not really extend much after the
Easter Vigil. There was one meeting the following week at which experiences during the Vigil were
shared. This session then concluded with a presentation of the purpose and activities of the various parish
ministries. The newly baptized or confirmed Catholics were encouraged to consider participating in one
or more of them and thus assume an active role in the parish community. At the next session a week later,
a pitch-in dinner took place. The pitch-in was a time of celebration and sending forth. At this peint, the
RCIA ended.