BECOMING A CATHOLIC (RCIA)
Since the renewal of the Church in the mid 1960s, each Catholic parish has set up a program, based on the earliest practice of the Church, to welcome all who want to know more about Catholic Christianity and to create a way for individuals to become Catholics. It is called the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, commonly referred to as the RCIA.
Our RCIA process here is geared to the campus community, especially college students, but all are welcome to come and see. Visitors are welcome to attend at any time. The RCIA is also an excellent way for Catholics to update their faith!
Here are some answers to Frequently Asked Questions, taking into account the normal anxieties of those thinking about becoming a Catholic:
What does this involve?
A yearlong commitment (through the end of April) to join us weekly in learning
about our faith. At Easter, if you are ready, you will become full members
of the church.
What happens at these meeting?
We gather weekly on Tuesdays from 7 - 9 PM to pray together, share our faith
stories, learn about the Catholic church and its teaching, and reflect on
the Gospel readings for the coming Sunday. Of course there are always snacks.
Process? There is a process?
Relax. have some snacks!
I have to wait until Easter?
Relax. have some snacks!
Who are these people who are going to process me?
The priests and professional staff of John XXIII and dedicated parishioners:
Fr. Eric Andrews, Fr. Paul Rospond, Dr. Ruth Queen Smith, Dr. John Long, Dr.
George Smith, Ruth Belen Smith, Brandon Kaetzel, Deidre Diener, and others.
I've already been baptized. Does that make a difference?
The church recognizes any Christian baptism. At Easter, you will make a profession
of faith and receive the sacraments of Confirmation and hly Communion.
I've never been baptized. Does that make a difference?
If you have never been baptized, then at Easter you will receive Baptism,
Confirmation and Holy Communion.
Sacrament? What's a sacrament?
Relax. have some snacks!
What can I do right now?
Attend mass every week and try to get to know some people in the parish.
This sounds great! How do I sign up?
Get in touch with one of the priests or Dr. Ruth Queen Smith. Call us at 523-7931.
Email us at John23@utk.edu. Or drop by
the Center located across from the Black Cultural Center.
Do I need to find a sponsor?
Relax. have some snacks!
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Curious about the Catholic Church? Here are some fun answers and questions, our version of R.C.I.A JEOPARDY
J. R. R. Tolkien, Bob Hope, Louis Pateur, Babe Ruth, Alfred Hitchcock, Christa McAuliffe, Dorothy Day, Mother Jones, Martin Sheen, Paul Newman, Celine Dion, Ben Affleck, John Cusack and Paul McCartney have this in common.
WHO ARE FAMOUS CATHOLICS?
On May 25, 1963 L. B. J. awarded this Pope posthumously the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the United States' highest civilian award. He was honored by many Protestant organizations as a christian reformer and both Anglican and Lutheran denominations commemorated him as a "renewer of the church."
WHO WAS BLESSED POPE JOHN XXIII?
Catholics adore only God, but we honor her as God's mother and imitate her as the first disciple.
WHO IS MARY?
This group meets every Tuesday for 30 weeks to have fun, food, interesting and lively discussions, learn stuff like the above and share lots of other information about the Catholic faith.
WHAT IS RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults)?
523-7931
WHAT IS THE TELEPHONE NUMBER TO REGISTER FOR RCIA?
Father Eric Andrews, C.S.P., Dr. Ruth Queen Smith, or Father Paul Rospond,
C.S.P.
WHOM SHOULD I TALK WITH FOR INFORMATION ABOUT RCIA?