A Roman Catholic Church
3900 Meadow Drive Rolling Meadows, IL  60008
847-394-8100 Fax 394-8102
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

St. Colette has a program called Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) for adults who wish to become Catholic or complete their sacraments. The program is for adults who:
•Have never been baptized
•Were baptized in another faith
•Were baptized Catholic but never received the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation.

We would love to hear from you and answer any questions you may have. For more information, please contact:

Fr. Dennis 847-394-8100
Diane Ryzner 847-925-0619 or Email Me

The Great Easter Vigil

At the Easter Vigil we celebrated the Easter sacraments with four individuals from our parish. Two adults, Michael Kolkovich and Michael Ackley, are a part of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.   This is the  process by which adults are welcomed into our faith or complete the sacraments of initiation.

Michael Kolkovich completed initiation into the Catholic Church, and was confirmed and received first Eucharist. Michael Ackley was received into the Catholic faith, and was confirmed and received first Eucharist.

Two of our children were baptized and one also received first Eucharist at the Easter Vigil .

Congratulations and welcome
to our newly baptized children and newly initiated adults!

What is RCIA at St. Colette Parish?

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, or RCIA, is a process by which adults become Catholic. This process takes place at Catholic parishes all over, not just at here at St. Colette. RCIA was established by the Second Vatican Council in the late 1960’s, and the process as we know it today was set forth by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops in the 1970’s and 80’s. Visit the following link for more details about RCIA.
http://www.americancatholic.org/Newsletters/CU/ac0502.asp

Our sessions at St. Colette are informal meetings with a team of catechists, who instruct and discuss important aspects of our Catholic faith and way of life with you. We can answer your questions, pray with and for you, and journey with you in the process. We have programs for both English and Spanish speaking adults, and we plan several bilingual meetings so that the groups get to know each other as one community.

RCIA is a gradual process that takes place within a community of the faithful. It is a spiritual journey, not at all like taking classes as you did in school. It is also an important journey for the members of our community, as they pray for you and walk with you in the process.

There are 4 distinct stages of the RCIA process, with special “rites” celebrated along the way.

1. PERIOD OF EVANGELIZATION AND PRECATECHUMENATE
This stage is sometimes known as “Inquiry.” A person may be interested in becoming a Catholic and has many questions about the faith. This has no set duration. This is a time for introduction to Gospel values and the beginnings of faith.

The first rite, the Rite of Acceptance, is celebrated and signifies entrance into the Catechumenate, and the intention to respond to God’s call and to follow the way of Christ.

2. PERIOD OF THE CATECHUMENATE
This is a period of time for nurturing and growth of faith and conversion to God.
You will learn and grow in faith on this part of the journey.

The Rite of Election is celebrated at the beginning of Lent. The Church formally “elects” or chooses you as ready for the sacraments of initiation, and you express your will to receive these sacraments.

3. PERIOD OF PURIFICATION AND ENLIGHTENMENT
This stage is a more intense period of preparation, marked by reflection and centered on conversion. There are special “rites” we celebrate during this time that precedes the celebration of initiation at the Easter Vigil. The sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist are celebrated at the Easter Vigil.

Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation takes place at the Easter Vigil, or the Saturday evening right before Easter Sunday each year. The elect are initiated through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.

4. PERIOD OF POST-BAPTISMAL CATECHESIS OR MYSTAGOGY
The period of mystagogy follows the celebration of initiation at Easter. The newly initiated are now full members of our Catholic community, and will continue to learn what being Catholic is all about. The newly initiated are known as “neophytes,” or newly enlightened. At St. Colette, we continue to meet for the 7 weeks of the Easter season, until Pentecost.

It just doesn’t stop there. You belong to our community of faithful members and have made a lifelong commitment to a life of faith, salvation, and everlasting life in our Risen Lord!