Important Dates in RCIA in 2018 for Both

Important dates in RCIA in 2018 for both

Candidates/Elect and their Sponsors

1. Ash Wednesday is February 14, 2018. Masses with the distribution of Ashes will be at 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Prayer Service with the Distribution of Ashes will be at 12:15 p.m. and also at 4 p.m. All Masses and Services will take place in the Parish Church.

1. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent and we enter into the third stage of RCIA known as “Purification and Enlightenment.” During this time the candidates/elect will become more visible members in the Church during specified Mass times.

1. The Rite of Election will take place on Sunday, February 18, 2018 at 3 p.m. at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen on North Charles Street. Please arrive with your Sponsors no later than 2:15 p.m. We will have reserved seating but it will be very crowded and if you come early parking will be easier. You will now be called “The Elect” as you continue your preparations for full initiation into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil on Saturday, March 31, 2018. Your sponsors are to join you for this important ceremony. This is NOT a Mass. Attend your regular Saturday/Sunday mass at St. Ignatius. Please wear appropriate Sunday Church clothing. This is for both Candidates and Catechumens (those receiving Baptism.)

1. Every Sunday (with the exception of our Retreat day on Saturday, March 3), we will be attending Mass together on Sundays at various times. We have five catechumens (those who will be baptized at the Easter Vigil) therefore; we will have special “Rites” known as the “Scrutinies.” There are three of them; one each week. More on this topic will be addressed in class. Those who will be presented for Baptism along with their sponsors are asked to attend these masses. On the other hand because we support one another I ask that you try your best to attend these masses whether you are preparing for Baptism or not as a sign of solidarity and support for each other. We will have reserved seating. The dates are on your syllabus.

1. The Sunday following the Rite of Election at the Cathedral, Sunday, February 25 the “Penitential Rite” takes place at the 9 a.m. Mass. For the “Elect” and their sponsors. Again, everyone is invited to attend to support one another. Again, reserved seating. This is when we get even chummier.

1. Our RCIA Retreat for ALL and their Sponsors will be Saturday, March 3, 2018. This is an important segment of RCIA and a wonderful experience. We will be together all day. We begin at 9:30 a.m. in the Madonna Room and end with 5:30 Mass in the Parish Church along with Scrutiny #1. Our Retreat Facilitator, Fr. Matt Foley, from Archbishop Curley High School will be our Celebrant. You will have the opportunity to receive your First Reconciliation (Confession) during this day. You will be well fed and we will move around. Come with an open heart and mind and the Holy Spirit will dwell within you.

1. Sunday, March 11 at the 10:30 Mass will be Scrutiny #2 . Sponsors are asked to attend. Again, everyone should come and support those seeking Baptism. Reserved seating up front.

1. Sunday, March 18 at the 9 a.m. mass we will have Scrutiny #3. Same as above.

1. Sunday, March 25 is Palm Sunday and the beginning of Holy Week. Attend mass together with your families.

1. Monday, March 26 is the Chrism Mass at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen on North Charles Street. This is an awesome celebration!!!! It is the Catholic Church in all its glorious traditions and pageantry. It begins at 7:30 p.m. and it runs at least two hours. All the oils that are used for the Sacraments beginning with the Easter Vigil are consecrated by Archbishop Lori on this night and distributed to each parish. It is also the night the priests of the Archdiocese renew their priestly vows. Car pool if you can, find a baby-sitter, make it a date night and go out to dinner beforehand but please, please try to attend. It is a Mass not to miss. Absolutely, beautiful!

1. Tuesday, March 27 we meet regular time in the Madonna Room. We can answer any remaining questions you may have about the Easter Vigil.

1. Wednesday, March 28. Rest and pray!

1. Holy Thursday, March 29, the start of the Triduum which is the start of the three holiest days of the church year. Join us for the Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 7 p.m. in the Parish Church. Please try to attend as we celebrate the Institution of the Eucharist. We will also have the Mandatum, the re-enactment of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples as a sign of love and service. I will be asking at least six of you to participate in this moving ceremony. The other six members will be chosen from among the parish.

1. Good Friday, March 30. The death of Jesus on the Cross. The only day of the year that Mass is not celebrated. Join us for the 3 p.m. service that includes the reading of our Lord’s Passion, veneration of the Cross, and Holy Communion (that was consecrated the night before at Mass).

1. Holy Saturday, March 31. Rehearsal for all the Elect, the candidates and their Sponsors, in the parish Church with Msgr. Jim at 1:00 p.m. sharp. Rehearsal will last about an hour. Each candidate will have a reserved pew with their name on the outside for their family.

1. Holy Saturday, Easter Vigil begins at 7:00 p.m. in the Parish Church. You and your sponsor will need to be here NO LATER THAN 6:30!!!

The Mass will last 1 hour and 45 minutes. Msgr. Jim has it down to a science. I will explain in more detail as we get closer to the date. This Mass will count as your Easter Sunday obligation. After the Mass do not leave! Join us at the altar for a group picture. Then celebrate!