St. Maximilian Kolbe Church
Scarborough, ME

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RCIA

Chairman: Karen Vachon, 883-4715

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is the process through which adults and children of catechetical age or older become members of the Roman Catholic Church. The process includes an extended period of formation and the celebration of certain public rites, and culminates with the celebration of the initiation sacraments – Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil Liturgy.

There are two groups who participate in the initiation process. Catechumens are those who are unbaptized, and candidates are those previously baptized, either in a Catholic or Protestant Church, but not fully initiated.

Each parishioner has a role in the initiation of our new members. By observing our prayer, words and actions within the parish and the community, these newest members learn the meaning of life as a Catholic Christian. Some of our parishioners serve as sponsors and walk closely with the catechumens and candidates on their spiritual journeys. Other members of the parish serve as catechists, coordinators and assistants in the RCIA process. Our entire parish community is given the opportunity to renew our faith and deepen our love of Christ by participating in the journey of the catechumens and candidates, especially during the Lenten season.