Page 4 - Gifted with the Spirit Senior High

“The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are children
and Enlightenment. At this point, the catechumens are called the elect.
Full initiation takes place at the Easter Vigil, when the elect are baptized, con rmed, and receive their First Holy Communion.
For newly baptized Catholics, education in the beliefs of the Church and in discipleship continues with mystagogy, a continuing learning process and journey of faith. Like all of us, these new Catholics will continue their faith journeys, growing more aware of the presence and power of God in their lives and becoming more completely part of the life of the Church.
What is mystagogy?
Mystagogy, from the Greek word mystagogia (“interpreta on of mystery”), is a process of con nued learning for those who have been recently ini ated into the Church.
of God.”
—Romans 8:16
they walked out of the pool, they were dressed in new white garments, symbolizing their new life in the Risen Christ.
They were anointed with Sacred Chrism—perfumed oil consecrated by the bishop—as a sign and strengthening of the continued presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Their anointing was a symbol of their mission to bring God’s love and life to others.
They continued their initiation by participating with the rest of the community in the Lord’s Supper. They shared, for the rst time, the sacred Body and Blood of Christ that expressed and nourished their unity and oneness with the whole Church.
Today, inspired by the practices of the early Church, this process of
initiation for adults who wish to become members of the Church has been restored. This renewed process is known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).
During the rst period in the process, participants gather information
and have their questions about the Church answered. This is called
the Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate.
In the next period, catechumens— those who are preparing to celebrate the Sacraments of Christian Initiation at the Easter Vigil—are introduced to Catholic parish life and invited to a process of spiritual formation. This period is called the Catechumenate.
The Rite of Election, usually celebrated on the rst Sunday of Lent, opens the Period of Puri cation
Gi ed with the Spirit Con rma on 3