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Order of Christian Initiation of Adults
The genius of the Church's reformed Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is that it recognizes that conversion is a process, a journey of faith. This journey which the candidate undertakes at his/her own pace is marked by various rites publicly celebrating the individual's movement on the journey, his/her growth, and the community's love and support.
For further information please contact the Parish Office at 207-872-2281. |
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The
Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is in the normative way
by which an adult or child of catechitical age becomes a member
of the Catholic Church. It is a process that warmly welcomes new
members and provides spiritual and catechetical formation which
at the same time helps an individual deepen their relationship with
God while also broadening their understanding of the Church, its
traditions, and its teachings. 
Following
a time of inquiry, the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechuments
marks the first step in the journey. The candidates declare their
intention and desire to become followers of Christ in the Catholic
Church and the Church, in turn, accepts them as persons who intend
to become its members. The Rite of Election marks the completion
of the catechumenate phase and is usually celebrated on the first
Sunday of Lent. This Rite formally declares the catechumen's readiness,
and they, now becoming the elect, express their desire to receive
the sacraments of initiation. The time immediately preceding the
elect's initiation at the Easter Vigil is an intense period of reflection
marked by celebration of the scrutinies, presentations of the Creed
and the Lord's Prayer, and of preparation rites on Holy Saturday.
As the Church celebrates its greatest feast, the celebration of
the Paschal Mystery during the Paschal Triduum, the candidates prepare
for full initiation which will occur during the Easter Vigil celebrations.
The elect are initiated through Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist.
Following initiation the newly initiated participate in postbaptismal
catechesis and a deepening of their experience of initiation and
of being the Church.