Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (continued)

   Period Three:   Purification and Enlightenment - a forty-day period which focuses on prayer and

                             spiritual growth usually coinciding with Lent.

   Rite Three:        Initiation at Easter Vigil 

   Period Four:    Mystagogy - a seven week period of reflecting on the experience of initiation, the

                            meaning of the sacraments, and the new members’  integration into the Catholic

                            community.  No rite formally concludes this period because it does not end.  All

                            adult Catholics are called to reflect upon and deepen their appreciation for the

                            mysteries throughout their lives.        

The RCIA process usually takes about one year to complete; however, the time frame is very flexible depending upon the spiritual needs of each participant.  Some people spend two years or more in the process.  For others, several months is sufficient.  School-age children participate in a similar process of study and spiritual growth that is appropriate to their age and development. 

RCIA meets on Monday evenings at 7:00 p.m. and Thursday mornings at 10:00 a.m.  See the RCIA                                                Needlepoint of

Schedule. For more information contact Marian Howard at icaff@bellsouth.net (865) 522-1508.                                                                 The Annunciation by

                                                                                                                                                                                                        parishioner Judy Schmidt