Adult Baptism (RCIA) at San Pedro Roman Catholic Church
The Church family of San Pedro is looking forward to the celebration of your baptism and entrance into the worldwide community that is the Catholic Church. Baptism is called the “gateway to life in the Spirit and the door, which gives access to the other sacraments.”
Adult RCIA Classes
Adult RCIA Classes are held weekly. For more information please contact the Parish Office at 501-624-4215 or sacraments.sprcc@gmail.com .
What is RCIA?
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is the process by which one explores faith and life in the Catholic tradition through a series of reflections designed to provide more than just teachings, but an experience of spiritual growth and adult formation in Christian discipleship.
The Rite is modeled after the initiation process used in the first centuries of the early Church. It includes a combination of study, prayer, and participation in the liturgy and certain rites at Mass. Participants, known as catechumens, undergo a process of conversion as they study the Gospel, profess their faith in Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church, and receive the Sacraments of Christian Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.
The RCIA Process
The Period of Inquiry: this time allows prospective converts to learn about the Catholic Church by attending Mass, retreats and spending time with the Lord in the adoration chapel.
The Order of Catechumens: are those prospective converts who have graduated from from the Period of Inquiry, they are now called Catechumens.
The Rite of Election: the Church recognize the Catechumens’ desire to become a Catholic. To achieve this stage, the Catechumens are taught the doctrines of the Faith and instructed in how to live a Christian Life.
The Sacraments of Initiation: for most Catechumens, the RCIA process reaches its climax at the Easter Vigil, where they are Baptized, given Confirmation and receive the Holy Eucharist. The Elects from other Christian denominations with valid Baptism receive Confirmation and The Holy Eucharist.
At The Easter Vigil, a special Mass is celebrated and becomes a joyous occasion. We celebrate how God has brought his children into full communion with Christ’s “One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.”
Mystagogy: a Greek word meaning “to lead through the mysteries.” It is the final period of the initiation of adults. This sacred time leads us from the external signs and rituals of the liturgy to the inner, spiritual meaning of the divine life they signify. It is form of catechesis that helps the persons unpack and explore the spiritual treasures they have received.
