The journey the candidates take in the Teen RCIA Program, can be likened to the Apostles story of their journey to Emmaus.
The Appearance on the Road to Emmaus
Now that very day two of them were going to a village 7 miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus, and they were talking about the things that had occurred. And it happened that Jesus, Himself, drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him. He asked them, "What are you discussing as you walk along?" They stopped, looking downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, said to him in reply, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place in these days?" And he replied to them, "What sort of things?" They said to Him, "The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all people, how our chief priests and rulers both handed over to a sentence of death and crucified him. But we were hoping that He would be the one to redeem Israel; and beside all this, it is now the third day since this took place. Some women from our group, however, have astounded us.
They were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find His body; they came back and saying that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who announced that He was alive. Then some of them, with us went to the tomb and found things just as the women had described, but Him, they did not see." As they approached the village to which they were going, He gave the impression that He was going on farther But they urged him, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over. So He went with them
And it happened while He was with them at the table, He took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight. Then they said to each other," Were not our hearts burning within us while He spoke to us on the way and opened the scriptures to us?" Luke 24:13-32
General Information
In 1988 the Catholic Bishops of the United States directed adults(teens)
who have not received some or all of their sacraments and want to become
Catholic or be fully initiated in the Church to do so with the process
set forth in the RCIA. The RCIA stresses the connection between the
three sacraments of Christian initiation, Baptism, Confirmation and
Eucharist. During the Easter Vigil, the elect are welcomed into the
Church as they receive all or some of these sacraments. (Baptism, Confirmation,
Eucharist)
These months are a time when the candidate, their sponsor/Godparent and family join Jesus in their journey through this process. They meet Him in their hearts and walk with Him. They will listen to His Word in scriptures. They will be with Him in the community of the faithful, who travel this road with them.
During their journey to Easter, they will follow in the footsteps of Jesus. They will listen to the stories, share experiences and gather to pray with those who have chosen to make this journey with them; their family, sponsor/Godparent, parish priests, classmates and teachers. They will give time to Jesus by resting with Him, thinking about Him and talking with Him a little every day. Jesus invites us all to be with Him in the stillness of our hearts; to listen, to meditate on the scriptures, making them our own. So in the quiet of our hearts, we wait for Jesus to come to us, through the intercession of the Holy Spirit. - HE WILL………………
Sponsor/Godparent requirements:
Sacraments:
Baptism
Baptism, the cleansing with water by the power of the living word,
washes away every stain of sin, original & personal, and makes us
sharers in God’s own life and His adopted children. It is one of
the sacraments of initiation.
Confirmation
Confirmation is the Sacrament we receive after Baptism in which the
Holy Spirit anoints each candidate & bestows the gifts & fruits
of the Spirit. Confirmation is the second sacrament of initiation.
Holy Eucharist
Holy Eucharist is sometimes referred to as Holy Communion. It is
the sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ. Holy Eucharist is a life
long and on going sacrament. It is a sign of unity and community among
the faithful. When we receive this sacrament we become one with Jesus
& He with us. It is a privilege & honor to receive the Eucharist.
It is the third and last of the sacraments of initiation.
Reconciliation
Reconciliation is the sacrament of forgiveness, peace & love.
It is also called penance or confession. Reconciliation is one of the
ways God has chosen to forgive sins. Whenever people sin, they separate
themselves from God’s love. In this sacrament we are united once
again with God and each other. It is a beautiful sacrament filled with
God’s overpowering love.
Holy Orders
It is the sacrament by which men are ordained to the priesthood.
It is the sacrament of service & leadership for those who chose
to devote their lives to God & His people through the sacraments
& serving the Church.
Matrimony
The Sacrament of Matrimony or marriage, is a sacrament of love and commitment
between husband & wife. They devote their lives to each other, their
children and God..
Annointing of the Sick
It is a sacrament of healing & a sign of Christian hope. It
is an expression of faith and hope in the mercy of God.
At the Easter Vigil Mass the students will receive the Sacraments of Baptism, if they haven’t as yet been baptized. They will receive Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. If they have been baptized they will receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation before the Easter Vigil Mass. If they haven’t been baptized they will receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation after Easter.
Some Facts
Students can only miss two classes. If they are going to miss a class
please call earlier in the day. The number to call is 367-4137. We wait
for everyone to come before we begin the class, so it’s important
to know if you are coming or not. The student will not be excused to
leave early to attend sports functions. The student has to make a commitment
to himself/herself, to the program as well and especially to God.
There are required retreats that every student is expected to attend. It is usually held on a Saturday, in the rectory. The students arrive 15 minutes before the appointed time. Sponsors are welcome to attend the retreats.
Sponsors are required to attend the following functions with the student:
Rehearsal for the Mass of Acceptance
Actual Mass of Acceptance
Rite of Election - Trenton, N. J.
Scrutiny 1, 2, & 3.
Rehearsal for the Easter Vigil Mass
Easter Vigil Mass
The Gifts Of The Holy Spirit:
The Fruits Of The Holy Spirit