JBPHH PRINCE OF PEACECATHOLIC COMMUNITY

2013 - 2014

GUIDEBOOK FOR RCIA

WELCOME

Welcome to the JBPHH Prince of Peace Catholic Community Religious Education Programs! Thank you for inquiring about the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) program. RCIA is Religious Education program under which the Roman Catholic Church welcomes those persons seeking full communion in the Catholic faith through the Sacraments of Initiation, namely Baptism, Eucharist (First Holy Communion), and Confirmation. RCIA is a program of discernment and instruction in which you will be introduced to the beliefs and practices of the Catholic faith.

PARTICIPATE IN MASS ON SATURDAY EVENINGS OR SUNDAY EACH WEEK AND HOLY DAYS OF OBLIGATION

The RCIA candidate and his/her sponsor must have a sincere intention of attending Mass every week. Worshiping as a community we build up the Body of Christ. The JBPHH Prince of Peace Catholic Community provides Mass on Saturday evenings at 5:00 p.m. at the Nelles Chapel and Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. at the Chapel Center.

PARTICIPATION AT PENANCE SERVICES

The Prince of Peace Catholic Community provides an Advent Communal Penance Service and a Lenten Communal Penance Service. These Penance Services are mandatory for the candidates to attend as they prepare for their Sacraments within the Prince of Peace Catholic Community.

ATTENDANCE OF RCIA CLASSES

Attendance in the RCIA classes is extremely important in preparing the candidates for reception of the Sacrament(s). When a class is missed, the candidate loses time for fellowship and prayer as well as the material covered that day. We expect that you will make these gatherings a priority and therefore make a sincere effort to adjust your other obligations accordingly. Candidates are expected to be prepared for the classes, which includes completing any assigned reading or homework. Contact your catechist immediately if critical circumstances will not allow you to attend a class. The catechist will determine an appropriate at-home assignment so that the candidate doesn’t fall behind in the lessons. Excessive absenteeism can affect the candidate’s ability to enter fully in the important period of preparation. Candidates can have ONLY 3 EXCUSED ABSENCES in order to complete the program. If you will be out of town, you must notify the catechist of Director of Religious Education and get the work missed in advance. JBPHH Prince of Peace Catholic Community is very cooperative with our active duty military members.

CHOOSE A QUALIFIED SPONSOR AND MEET REGULARLY WITH YOUR SPONSORThe Confirmation sponsor should be a person who has been a strong role-model as a faith-filled Catholic. This Confirmation preparation time is a beautiful and personal experience. This person will be a companion in your faith journey and will vouch for your readiness to receive the Sacrament.

The sponsor should therefore be able to meet regularly with the candidate, spend time building a bond with the candidate, help him/her prepare for the Sacrament through prayer, study, service and discussion; and be in attendance during classes and the Easter Vigil Service. Attendance by proxy is allowed.

The church requires that the sponsor be an active practicing Catholic who has already celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation. The church recognizes that a person cannot transmit what the person does not have.

***Sponsor must be more mature, more informed, and more experience in the ways of our faith and culture than the candidates.

***Sponsor should be a person who already has a relationship of trust with the candidate.

***Sponsor is recommended to be an older person who has some experience with his or her faith and a clearer perspective from which to speak.

***Sponsor must be willing to meet with the candidate, whether in person or by phone, email, or written letter, on a regular basis prior to the celebration of Confirmation and to make a commitment to continue the faith journey aft her celebration of Confirmation.

***Sponsor will be willing to share his or her faith with the candidate.

***Sponsor will be an assistant to the candidate as the prime transmitters of the faith.

***Sponsor will walk and talk with the candidate on the faith journey.

***Sponsor will be an open, honest, caring, committed, and encouraging person who will help the candidate grow in his or her understanding of the faith as the young person comes to a deeper appreciation of God in his or her life.

***Sponsor cam be a spouse or fiancé and will take on the role for only one candidate.

Preference is given to the candidate’s Godparents, which most fully expresses the integral connection between Baptism and Confirmation. If you are using a proxy sponsor, he/she must also meet the above criteria. Along with this guide you will find a Confirmation Sponsor Information Form.

CHOOSING A CONFIRMATION NAME AND WRITING A BIOPGRAPHYIn both the Old and New Testament, when God had a new mission for someone, He often gave them a new name. Even without a new name, your name has always told others who you are. God calls on each of us to fulfill a special mission. It may be converting non-believers, helping the poor, being a peacemaker or one of many other callings. Confirmation may be the continuation of a mission you began at Baptism, or the beginning of a new mission.

Therefore there are two options when deciding on a Confirmation name:

FIRST – since Confirmation is the strengthening of the work that God began in your life at your Baptism, it is recommended that you give first preference to using your Baptismal name for Confirmation. This shows the integral link between Baptism and Confirmation (note: this applies only if your Baptismal name was a Saint’s name).

SECOND – perhaps, you see Confirmation as the beginning of a new mission for you and a fresh beginning in your faith journey. Then you may choose a new name for Confirmation. Your Confirmation name should be that of a Saint you admire or the Saint name of someone you know

and look up to as a Christian role-model. There are many helpful websites available to assist you in gathering information about the Saints. Just a few are:

www.catholicforum.com/saints

www.catholic.org/saints

www.cahtolic-pages.com/dir/saints.asp

Once the candidate has chosen his/her Confirmation name, they must complete a biography of that Saint. Candidates are encouraged to submit the following in their paper: (a) type a full one page paper (b) typed (c) Saint’s date of birth, date of death, and important facts about the Saint (d) and, why the Saint was chosen and what the Saint means to the Confirmation candidate.

PARTICIPATE IN THE RCIA RETREATSRetreats provide a unique opportunity for the candidates to spend an extended time in discernment and reflect on the gifts of the Spirit and reflect on their relationship with God and their faith life. It is therefore required that each candidate attend the two scheduled RCIA retreats at the Benedectine Monastery on the North Shore of Oahu.

PARTICIPATE IN SPIRITUAL ACTIVITY THAT IS NEW TO YOUSpending time in prayer and reflection does not end when we leave the church on Sunday. It is so important for the candidates to become aware of the many opportunities that are available for them to meditate, celebrate and further their relationship with God. Although the following suggestions are not mandatory, we sincerely hope the candidate and his or her family will have an active and ongoing spiritual life!

SUGGESTED ADDITIONAL SPIRITUAL ACTIVITIES

Participate in Advent and/or Lenten preparations

Participate in the Triduum services - Holy Thursday, Good Friday, or Easter Vigil

Attend Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament or Reconciliation on a regular basis

Reflect on Scripture – start a journal with reflection on weekly Gospel readings

Pray the Rosary

“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you” (James 4:8)

INTERVIEWS WITH FATHER PETER

RCIA Candidates are encouraged to schedule interviews with Father Peter as they prepare for their Sacraments and their new journey of faith. Please contact the JBPHH Prince of Peace Catholic Community Parish Coordinator at 449 - 1754 to schedule an interview with Father Peter during Advent.

CHOOSING A CONFIRMATION NAMEINFORMATION FORM

In both the Old and New Testament, when God had a new mission for someone, He often gave them a new name. Even without a new name, your name has always told others who you are. God calls on each of us to fulfill a special mission. It may be converting non-believers, helping the poor, being a peacemaker or one of many other callings. Confirmation may be the continuation of a mission you began at Baptism, or the beginning of a new mission. Therefore, there are two options when deciding on a Confirmation name:

FIRST – Because Confirmation is the strengthening of the work that God began in your life at your Baptism, it is recommended that you give first preference to using your Baptismal name for Confirmation. This shows the integral link between Baptism and confirmation (note this applies only if your Baptismal name was a Saint’s name.)

SECOND – Perhaps, you see Confirmation as the beginning of a new mission for you and a fresh beginning in your faith journey. Then you may choose a new name for Confirmation. Your Confirmation name should be that of a Saint you admire or the Saint name of someone you know and look up to as a Christian role-model.

There are many helpful websites available to assist you in gathering information about the Saints. Just a few are www.catholicforum.com/saints, www.catholic.org/saints, www.catholic-pages.com/dir/saints.asp, or www.theworkofgod.org/saints.

YOUR FULL GIVEN NAME: _____________________________________________________________________________________

WHY DID YOUR PARENTS CHOOSE THE NAME THEY GAVE YOU (WHETHER A SAINT’S NAME OR NOT)? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SAINT’S NAME (CONFIRMATION NAME): ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

SAINT’S FEAST DAY: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

SAINT’S PLACE OF BIRTH: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

SAINT’S OCCUPATION: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

WHAT CENTURY DID THE SAINT LIVE IN? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

WHAT COUNTRY DID THE SAINT RESIDE IN? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS SAINT? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________WHAT DID THE SAINT DO THAT WAS PLEASING TO GOD? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SELECTING A CONFIRMATION SPONSOR FORM

The Church requires that the sponsor be an active practicing Roman Catholic who has already celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation. The Church recognizes that a person cannot transmit what the person does not have.

***Sponsor must be more mature, more informed, and more experience in the ways of our faith and culture than the candidates.

***Sponsor should be a person who already has a relationship of trust with the candidate.

***Sponsor is recommended to be an older person who has some experience with his or her faith and a clearer perspective from which to speak.

***Sponsor must be willing to meet with the candidate, whether in person or by phone, email, or written letter, on a regular basis prior to the celebration of Confirmation and to make a commitment to continue the faith journey aft her celebration of Confirmation.

***Sponsor will be willing to share his or her faith with the candidate.

***Sponsor will walk and talk with the candidate on the faith journey.

***Sponsor will be an older friend or relative in whom the candidate can confide.

***Sponsor will be an open, honest, caring, committed, and encouraging person who will help the candidate grow in his or her understanding of the faith as the young person comes to a deeper appreciation of God in his or her life.

The sponsor’s name will be recorded on the official Confirmation certificate submitted to the AMS (Archdiocese of the Military Services)

CANDIDATE’S FULL NAME: ______________________________________________________________________________

SPONSOR’S FULL NAME: ________________________________________________________________________________

SELECTING A GODPARENT FORM

The Church requires that the godparent be an active practicing Roman Catholic who has already celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation. The Church recognizes that a person cannot transmit what the person does not have.

***Godparent must be more mature, more informed, and more experience in the ways of our faith and culture than the catechumenates.

***Godparent should be a person who already has a relationship of trust with the catachumenate.

***Godparent is recommended to be an older person who has some experience with his or her faith and a clearer perspective from which to speak.

***Godparent must be willing to meet with the catachumenate, whether in person or by phone, email, or written letter, on a regular basis prior to the celebration of Baptism and to make a commitment to continue the faith journey aft her celebration of Baptism.

***Godparent will be willing to share his or her faith with the catehumenate.

***Godparent will walk and talk with the catechumenate on the faith journey.

***Godparent will be an older friend or relative in whom the catechumenate can confide.

***Godparent will be an open, honest, caring, committed, and encouraging person who will help the catechumenate grow in his or her understanding of the faith as the young person comes to a deeper appreciation of God in his or her life.

The Godparents’ names will be recorded on the official Confirmation certificate submitted to the AMS (Archdiocese of the Military Services)

CANDIDATE’S FULL NAME: ______________________________________________________________________________

FEMALE GODPARENT’S FULL NAME: ___________________________________________________________________

MALE GODPARENT’S FULL NAME: ______________________________________________________________________

COMPLETED 86 QUESTIONS FOR RCIAThese are questions about the Catholic Church and your parish to which each one of us should know the answers. The questions are divided so you will know which questions you need to answer on your own or with your sponsor. A journal will be provided during class time with questions to answer each week and

will be discussed in class. Students are expected to bring their journal book with question and completed answers to class each week. Several questions are outlined to be answered with your sponsor. Please turn in the completed questions from your sponsor and journal entries on assigned due date. You may use the following resources to find the answers:

***online or in the Religious Education office library

***using books from class

***Sunday Bulletin

***Father Peter is a great resource!

***utilize Catechists during class time

***work with your parents and sponsors

CURRICULUMNew American Bible

Catechism of the Catholic Church

Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic ChurchFoundations in Faith – Year C by RCL Benziger

Foundations in Faith – Year A by RCL Benziger

Crossing the Threshold of Faith – An RCIA Manual by Archdiocese for the Military Services

A Biblical Walk Through The Mass DVD and Study Program by Edward Sri

BENEDICTINE MONASTERY RETREATBELLOWS AFS BEACH RETREAT

Beginning Apologetics – How to Explain and Defend by Jim Burnham and Steve Wood

EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE

I AM THE LORD YOUR GOD, YOU SHALL HAVE NO OTHER GODS BESIDES ME. Did I fail to love God, to make God first in my life, to thank Him, trust Him, love Him as He deserves? Did I fail to pray? Have I doubted or denied my faith? Was I careless in saying my prayers? Do I give God time everyday in prayer? Do I make a God out of my work, my possessions, or my image in the eyes of others so that these rule my life instead of God? Am I angry toward God because of illness or misfortune? Have I been involved with magic, horoscopes, Quija boards, or fortune telling?

YOU SHALL NOT TAKE THE NAME OF THE LORD YOUR GOD IN VAIN. Did I curse or swear? Did I use God’s name in vain, lightly, carelessly, by blasphemy? Have I used foul language or jokes? In conversation, have I passively listened to slander and to jokes demeaning to the Church, or God’s authority?

REMEMBER THE SABBATH DAY, TO KEEP IT HOLY. Have I deliberately missed Mass on Sundays or Holy Days of Obligation? Did I leave Mass early without a good reason? Have I been to communion at least once a year? Did I receive Holy Communion in the state of serious sin? Have I been to confession recently? In any of my previous confessions, did I lie to or deliberately conceal something from the priest? Have I allowed myself to become so dominated by my work and chores that I have not set aside Sunday for spiritual and family activities?

HONOR YOUR FATHER AND YOUR MOTHER. Did I honor and obey my parents? Did I respect my brothers and sisters? Did I respect others with lawful authority , especially teachers? Have I talked back? Did I fail to help at home or to spend time with my family? Do I blame my parents for my own shortcomings?

YOU SHALL NOT KILL. Did I give in to feelings of anger or jealousy? Did I keep hatred in my heart? Have I ever struck anyone in anger, intending to injure the person? Did I fight, give a bad example, or cause scandal? Have I abused alcohol or drugs? Have I had or in any way permitted or encouraged abortion? Have I thought about suicide?

YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY. Did I consent to impure glances? Passionate kisses? Sinful touches? Did I give my mind over to lustful thoughts or fantasies? Was I immodest in dress or behavior? Did I look at pornaography, impure books, magazines or videos? Am I guilty of impurity with myself, premarital sex, or adultery? Do I live chastely according to my state in life (married, single, ordained)? Do I avoid laziness, gluttony, idleness, and the occasions of impurity?

YOU SHALL NOT STEAL. Have I stolen what is not mine? What or how much? Did I return it or make up for what I have stolen? Have I cheated on tests or homework? Did I waste time at work? Have I written graffiti (this steals nature’s beauty)? Have I been extravagant in my manner of life, to the neglect of the poor at home and abroad?

YOU SHALL NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS AGAINST YOUR NEIGHBOR. Have I lied or gossiped? Talked about another person behind their back? Do I always tell the truth? Am I sincere? Did I reveal secrets that should have been kept confidential? Am I critical, negative, or uncharitable in my talk? Have I injured the reputation of others by speaking about their failures and sins with little desire or intention to help them? Have I condoned prejudice and hatred toward people of other nationalities, races, or religions?

YOU SHALL NOT COVET YOUR NEIGHBOR’S WIFE. Have I consented to impure thoughts? Have I encouraged them by stares, curiosity, or impure conversations? Did I neglect to control my imagination or desire of other people? Have I rejected my family in my heart, wishing to distance myself emotionally and personally from them?

YOU SHALL NOT COVET YOUR NEIGHBOR’S GOODS. Is my heart greedy? Am I jealous of what another has? Am I envious of others because I don’t have what they have? Do I habitually compare myself with others? Am I moody or gloomy? Do I work, study, and keep busy to counter idle thoughts? Am I critical, negative, or uncharitable in my thoughts of others? Is my heart set on earthly possessions or on the treasures in Heaven.

EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE

DO I LOVE GOD ABOVE EVERYTHING ELSE? DO I LIVE AS A CHILD OF GOD, CONFIDENT IN THE FATHER’S MERCY?

AM I HUMBLE? DO I DEPEND ON GOD AS I SHOULD? AM I PRIDEFUL? DO I TRY TO MAKE THE WORLD REVOLVE AROUND ME? AM I PRESUMPTUOUS? DO I THINK I CAN DO WHATEVER I WANT AND THAT IT WILL NOT MATTER TO GOD? DO I PRAY EVERYDAY? DO I GO TO MASS EVERY SUNDAY AND HOLY DAY? DO I DEVOTE MYSELF TO GROWING IN FAITH? AM I THANKFUL? DO I EXPRESS MY GRATITUDE SINCERELY AND OUTWARDLY, ESPECIALLY IN

OWRKS OF MERCY? DO I MAKE EXCUSES FOR MY FAULTS, OR BLAME OTHERS? AM I SELF-RIGHTEOUS?

AM I FORGIVING? DO I HARBOR GRUDGES OR RESENTMENTS? DO I TAKE DELIGHT IN THE MISFORTUNES OF OTHERS?

DO I JUDGE OTHERS, LABEL OTHERS, EXCLUDE OTHERS, AND CONDEMN OTHERS? IS MY LIFE IN ANY WAY RULED BY ANGER, JEALOUSY, ENVY, OR IMPATIENCE? DO I MAKE GODS OF MONEY, POWER, OR PRESTIGE? DO I RECOGNIZE HOW GOD IS PRESENT AND ACTIVE IN EVERY MOMENT OF MY LIFE? DO I LIVE BY

ANY STANDARD OTHER THAN THE WAY OF LOVE REVEALED BY JESUS CHRIST?

QUESTIONS FOR RCIA

QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED WITH SPONSOR

1. What are the two “Great Commandments” that contain the whole law of God? (see Mark 12:28 -31)

2. What are the three Theological Virtues?3. Can a Catholic receive communion at a non – Catholic service?4. Can a non – Catholic receive communion at a Catholic Mass?5. What special graces and powers does a priest receive through the Sacrament of Holy Orders?6. How is the Sacrament of Holy Orders administered?7. What is required to receive the Sacrament of Matrimony worthily?8. List the last five Popes, beginning with our current Holy Father. List their years of Papacy and one

significant fact of each.9. Which English translation of the Bible is used in Catholic liturgies? What exactly is the Bible?10. How many books are in the Catholic Bible? How many books are in the Protestant Bible? Which

books are the differences?11. Select three names from the list below and explain their significances in the Old Testament: (a)

Abraham (b) Isaiah (c) Joseph (d) Jacob (e) Sarah (f) Moses (g) David

12. Select three names from the list below and explain their significances in the New Testament: (a) Simon Peter (b) Saul (c) Paul (d) Mary Magdalene (e) Judas Iscariot (f) Nicodemus (g) Luke (h) Martha (i) Stephen (j) John (the Disciple)

13. When is Advent observed? What special prayers and practices are associated with Advent?14. When is Lent observed? What special prayers and practices are associated with Lent?15. What are Holy Days of Obligation? List them and give the dates they are recognized.16. What is the distinction between the Virgin Birth and the Immaculate Conception?17. What is abstinence? What are the Church’s guidelines for abstinence for Holy Days of Obligation?18. What is the official teaching of the church regarding premarital sexual intercourse?19. What Confirmation name did you choose? Why?20. What does Confirmation mean to you?21. Why do you want to be confirmed?

QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED DURING RCIA CLASSES

1. What is the weekend Mass schedule at your parish? When is Daily Mass offered?2. List the times the Sacrament of Reconciliation is regularly offered at the Prince of Peace parish?3. What is required by Prince of Peace parish to qualify/serve as Lector and as a Extraordinary Minister

of the Eucharist?4. Who is our Pope? Where does he live?5. Who is our Archdiocese of Military Services Bishop? Where does he live?6. Write the Our Father prayer and recite for the teacher.7. Write the Hail Mary prayer and recite for the teacher.8. Write the Act of Contrition prayer and recite for the teacher.9. Write the Sign of the Cross and recite for the teacher.10. Write the Ten Commandments and recite for the teacher.11. Who is your Patron Saint? Tell something about his/her life and work. (You may have more than

one Patron Saint – you may choose to write about more than one.)12. Name three Catholic newspapers or magazines.13. Name three Catholic internet sites.14. Give the name and address of a Christian bookstore in the area.15. What are the three Theological Virtues?16. What are the four Cardinal Virtues?17. What is the meaning of the work Catholic?18. Write the eight Beatitudes.19. How many Stations of the Cross are there? When do we say them regularly?20. Explain how to pray the Stations of the Cross.21. What is a Sacrament? How many Sacraments are there? Name all the Sacraments.22. Who can administer the Sacrament of Baptism?23. What conditions must parents fulfill in order to have their child baptized?24. What is required for the worthy reception of Confirmation?25. Is Confirmation required of the bride and the groom to be married in the Catholic Church?26. What is required to receive Holy Communion worthily?27. How should a person prepare to receive Holy Communion? What does one do immediately after

receiving?28. What does transubstantiation mean?29. What is required to receive Holy Orders in the Roman Catholic Church today?

30. If a Catholic is married by a Justice of the Peace is he/she considered “married” by the Catholic Church? Can such a person receive the Eucharist? Why or why not?

31. If a Catholic is married in a Protestant church is she/she considered “married” by the Catholic Church? Why or why not?

32. Under what conditions might a priest refuse the Sacrament of Matrimony to a couple?33. Who administers the Sacrament of Matrimony?34. Priests in the Roman Catholic Church are required to take a vow of celibacy. What is the purpose of

this law?35. What does the seal of the confessional mean?36. Give two other names for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.37. What do you do when you go for confession? Please give a step-by-step description.38. What are the responsibilities of a Baptismal Sponsor?39. What are the requirements for being a Sponsor (Godparent) at a Catholic Baptism?40. What are the two main parts of the Mass?41. Describe what occurs during the two main parts of Mass.42. Put these parts of the Mass in sequential order: Prayer over the gifts, Consecration, Our Father,

Gospel, First Reading, Communion, Homily, Dismissal, Sign of the Peace, Penitential Rite, and Eucharistic Prayer.

43. What is the Rosary? How do you pray the Rosary?44. Name the five Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary.45. Name the five Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary.46. Name the five Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary.47. Name the five Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary.48. What is the Ecumenical Council of the Church?49. When was the most recent Ecumenical Council? When and where was it held? What changes did it

bring to the Church?50. Determine which of the English translations of the Bible are either Catholic accepted or Protestant

accepted or both accept: King James, New Jerusalem, Good News, The Way, Revised Standard, and New American.

51. Identify, including the dates and significance of each of these Feasts of the Church: Annunciation, All Soul’s Day, Immaculate Conception, Assumption, Ascension, and All Saint’s Day

52. What is Holy Week?53. What is the Triduum?54. What is the significance of Holy Thursday?55. What is the significance of Ash Wednesday?56. What is the significance of Palm Sunday?57. What is the significance of Good Friday?58. What is the significance of Holy Saturday?59. What is the significance of Easter Sunday?60. What is the significance of Pentecost?61. What is fasting? What are the Church’s guidelines for fasting?62. Where do you find the letters INRI? What do they stand for?63. Explain what is meant by “a practicing Catholic”.64. Does a wedding Mass on a Saturday afternoon fulfill the Sunday Mass obligation?65. How many different colors of vestments are worn at Mass? For which feast or season is each worn?

JBPHH PRINCE OF PEACE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY

RCIA 2013 – 2014 CALENDAR

AUGUST 201318 RCIA OPEN HOUSE CHAPEL CENTER 1730

SEPTEMBER 201308 RCIA CLASS CHAPEL CENTER 173015 RCIA CLASS CHAPEL CENTER 173022 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION FAMILY BOWL PARTY HICKAM BOWL 130022 RCIA CLASS CHAPEL CENTER 173029 RCIA CLASS CHAPEL CENTER 1730

OCTOBER 201306 RCIA CLASS CHAPEL CNETER 173013 NO RCIA CLASS – HOLIDAY WEEKEND20 RCIA CLASS CHAPEL CENTER 173027 MANDATORY RCIA RITE OF WELCOME AT MASS CHAPEL CENTER 103027 RCIA CLASS CHAPEL CENTER 1730

NOVEMBER 201303 RCIA CLASS CHAPEL CENTER 173010 RCIA CLASS CHAPEL CENTER 173017 MANDATORY RCIA DAY RETREAT TO BENEDICITINE MONASTERY 24 RCIA CLASS CHAPEL CENTER 1730

DECEMBER 201308 MANDATORY RCIA RITE OF ACCEPTANCE AT MASSCHAPEL CENTER 103008 RCIA CLASS CHAPEL CENTER 173011 MANDATORY FIRST RECON/PEN SERVICE CHAPEL CENTER 190015 RCIA CLASS CHAPEL CENTER 1730

***SCHEDULED INTERVIEWS WITH FATHER PETER DURING ADVENT***JANUARY 2014

05 RCIA CLASS CHAPEL CENTER 173012 RCIA CLASS CHAPEL CENTER 173019 RCIA CLASS CHAPEL CENTER 173026 RCIA CLASS CHAPEL CENTER 1730

FEBRUARY 201402 RCIA CLASS CHAPEL CENTER 173002 CHOOSING A CONFIRMATION NAME PAPERWORK DUE09 RCIA CLASS CHAPEL CENTER 173016 NO RCIA CLASS – HOLIDAY WEKEND23 RCIA CLASS CHAPEL CENTER 173023 SAINT BIOGRAPHY DUE

MARCH 201402 MANDATORY RCIA RETREAT TO BENEDICTINE MONASTERY05 ASH WEDNESDAY MASS CHAPEL CENTER 1130/180007 STATIONS OF THE CROSS / POTLUCK NELLES CHAPEL 1700

09 RCIA CLASS CHAPEL CENTER 173009 MANDATORY RCIA RITE OF ELECTION AT CO – CATHEDRAL OF HONOLULU 14 STATIONS OF THE CROSS / POTLUCK NELLES CHAPEL 170016 NO RCIA CLASS – HOLIDAY WEEKEND21 STATIONS OF THE CROSS / POTLUCK NELLES CHAPEL 170023 MANDATORY FIRST SCRUTINIES AT MASS CHAPEL CENTER 103023 RCIA CLASS CHAPEL CENTER 173028 FISH FRY / OUTDOOR STATIONS OF THE CROSS NELLES CHAPEL 170030 MANDATORY SECOND SCRUTINIES AT MASS CHAPEL CENTER 103030 RCIA CLASS CHAPEL CENTER 1730

APRIL 201406 MANDATORY THIRD SCRUTINIES AT MASS CHAPEL CENTER 103006 RCIA CLASS CHAPEL CENTER 173010 CHRISM MASS AT CO – CATHEDRAL OF HONOLULU13 PALM SUNDAY MASS CHAPEL CENTER 103013 RCIA CLASS CHAPEL CENTER 173017 HOLY THURSDAY MASS CHAPEL CENTER 190018 GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE CHAPEL CENTER 190019 EASTER VIGIL SERVICE CHAPEL CENTER 190027 RCIA CLASS CHAPEL CENTER 1730

MAY 201404 MAY CROWNING AT MASS CHAPEL CENTER 103004 “END OF YEAR” RELIGIOUS EDUCATION BEACH PARTY HICKAM BEACH04 RCIA CLASS CHAPEL CENTER 1730

***ALL DATES AND TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE***

THE VISION AND STRUCTURE OF THE RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION

The vision of Christian initiation as presented to us in the Rite is that initiation is first and foremost a journey of conversion to our loving God in Jesus Christ. People often begin this spiritual journey because they have a desire for “something more” in life. Frequently, adults and children are seeking the living God, even though they are not always able to articulate their needs and desire in the language of faith. The Rite describes the path to our loving God as a gradual, comprehensive and intense journey into the mystery of salvation. For many, the journey culminates with the celebration of the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.

The pathway includes different periods of formation and liturgical rites along the way to mark the steps of those who seek God. The four periods of the initiation process and the liturgical rites along the way give structure to the process of initiation. They are: Evangelization and Precatechumenate, Catechumenate, Purification and Enlightenment, and Mystagogy.

FIRST PERIOD – EVANGELIZATION AND PRECATECHUMENATE

The first phase of the journey of initiation is the period of evangelization and precatechumenate. This is a time of seeking and questioning in which the candidate inquires about the Catholic faith. Hence, during this time candidates are often called inquirers. Inquirers come to the parish to find out more about God, Jesus, the Bible or the Church. They may come to Church because they find “something missing” in their lives, but they’re not sure what it is. Or they may have been inspired by a friend or family member to find out more about the faith. But, regardless of the reason, they all come to us seeking something. We warmly welcome them and begin to walk with them during this initial period to help them find out what or whom they seek.

For some, particularly those who have had no religious upbringing, the Good News of Jesus Christ and the story of our salvation are relatively unfamiliar. Many of those who come to us have no sense of a relationship with Jesus Christ. This period allows inquirers to develop that relationship and to develop and initial commitment to the Christian community and the Christian way of life.

In other situations, however, the person inquiring may already be quite familiar with the Good News of the Jesus Christ. Such a a person is already “evangelized”, meaning that he or she already has a relationship with Christ and perhaps eve a commitment to the Christian way of life. Frequently, this inquirer is a baptized candidate from another Christian tradidion who wishes to join the Roman Catholic Church. In this instance, the period of evangelization and precatechumenate may be relatively short – it may not even be necessary at all. After the period of evangelization and precatechumenate, the candidate moves to the second period of the initiation process. The Church celebrates and ritualizes this step on the journey of initiation. For the unbaptized, the first ritual in the initiation process is called the Rite of Acceptance Into the Order of Catechumens.

FIRST STEP – THE RITE OF ACCEPTANCE INTO THE ORDER OF CATECHUMENS

The first step in the process of Christian initiation is the celebration of the Rite of Acceptance Into the Order of the Catechumens. (By “step”, means a liturgical rite that marks a person’s movement from one period to the next.) Having undergone an initial conversion to Jesus Christ and having a desire to live the Christian way of life, the inquirer passes into the second period of the initiation process.

The Rite of Acceptance Into the Order of Catechumens is a major celebration for inquirers. Through this rite, the Church publicly recognizes their initial conversion. The inquirers are now called “catechumens”. They have accepted the gospel and expressed their desire to learn more about the word of God and the Christian way of life.

During the Rite of Acceptance Into the Order of Catechumens, the sponsor presents the inquirer to the parish community. Further, the sponsor promises to help the new catechumen to know and follow Jesus Christ. The rite also marks the beginning of the second period, the catechumenate. The sponsor accompanies the catechumen through this entire second period.

There is a similar rite for those who are already baptized. It is called the Rite of Welcoming Candidates. This rite welcomes candidates in to the life of the community and marks the beginning of their period of formal preparation for the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. If they have had little religious formation, their period of preparation may be very similar to the preparation of catechumens.

SECOND PERIOD – THE CATECHUMENATEDuring the catechumenate period, catechumens learn more about the word of God, the teachings of the Church, the community, prayer and apostolic works of service for others. It is a time to deepen their conversion to Jesus Christ and the Christian way of life. The catehcumenate may be an extended period of time depending upon the progress of the catechumen.

Those who are already baptized may enter a period of formation similar to the catechumenate. However, the baptized are not called catechumens, but rather, “candidates”. That is , they are candidates for reception into the full communion of the Catholic Church. Or, they are Catholics who are candidates for Confirmation and Eucharist. In the JBPHH Prince of Peace Catholic Community RCIA Class, the catechumens and the baptized candidates will meet together regularly and even celebrate the liturgical rites together.

SECOND STEP – THE RITE OF ELECTION

The Rite of Election is the culmination of the period of the catechumenate and the official beginning of the period of purification and enlightenment. The Rite of Election, celebrated on the first Sunday of Lent marks the beginning of the final, intense period of preparation for the catechumens. With the celebration of this rite, the catechumens are now called the “elect”, because they have been elected by God through the Church to receive the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. The Rite of Election will be held at the Diocese of Honolulu Co – Cathedral with Bishop Silva.

The rite begins the final period of intense, spiritual preparation for the sacraments that will be received at the Easter Vigil. During this rite, the Church affirms the catechumens’ readiness to receive the Sacraments of Initiation. This is the step in which the catechumens enroll their name in the book that lists all those who have been chosen for Baptism.

Prior to the Rite of election the catechumens choose godparents. The godparents present the catechumens at the rite and give testimony on their behalf. The godparent must adhere to the guidelines as instructed by the JBPHH Prince of Peace Catholic Community.

THE THIRD PERIOD – PURIFICATION AND ENLIGHTENMENTThe period of purification and enlightenment is the time for spiritual recollection for the sacraments. The nature of this period is much different from that of the previous period. Whereas the previous period was about doctrinal and pastoral formation, this time is about interior spiritual reflection and preparation for the Easter mysteries.

This period coincides with Lent and therefore has much of a Lenten character and flavor. It is a time of baptismal preparation and penitential renewal. Rather tha focusing on catechisis and teaching, the elect focus on the celebration of rites called scrutinies and presentations. These are liturgical rituals that bring about the purification and enlightenment. The scrutinies are rituals of self – searching and repentance which complete the conversion of the elect. The scrutinies are celebrated on the third, fourth, and fifth Sundays of Lent. The presentations of the Creed and the Lord’s Prayer, which may take place on a weekday, enlighten the minds of the elect.

The conclusion of this period at the end of the Lenten season brings us to the sacred days of Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday.

THE THIRD STEP – THE CELEBRATION OF THE SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION

At the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday, the elect will be baptized into the mystery of Christ. They will be sealed with the sacred chrism in Confirmation. And they will be sealed with the sacred chrism in Confirmation. And they will culminate their journey at the banquet table as they receive the Holy Eucharist. Only in exceptional circumstances is the celebration of the sacraments may be at a time other than the Easter Vigil. Baptized Catholics will receive the Sacrament of First Holy Communion at Easter Vigil and will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation at a later date with the Bishop of the Military Services.

Whether the sacramental celebrations are at the Easter Vigil or at another time, a final period of catechesis follows the sacramental celebration. This period after Baptism is called mystagogy.

THE FOURTH PERIOD – MYSTAGOGYMystagogy is an ancient word that refers to mystery. Here, mystagogy means the unpacking, unlocking and reflecting upon the sacred mysteries known as sacraments. This period is a time for the newly baptized to reflect upon the meaning of the sacraments they have recently received. Having been immersed into the mystery of salvation at the Easter Vigil, the newly baptized spend time exploring the meaning of their new life in Christ. Mystagogy helps these neophytes to fully appreciate and participate in the Christian community of which they have become a part.

The neophytes do the unpacking or unfolding of Easter sacraments in several ways. First, they spend time reflecting upon the meaning, significance, beauty and power of the Easter Vigil. Time is afforded for them to talk about what the celebration of the sacraments meant to them. They explore the meaning of the sacraments and how the sacraments affect their lives.

Another way the neophytes deepen their understanding of the Easter sacraments is by their participation in the Sunday Eucharist. Now that they are fully initiated Catholic Christians, they celebrate the fullness of the Holy Eucharist each Sunday. This is an especially rich and meaningful time for them to celebrate the sacrament for which they have longed. Each Sunday of the Easter season the newly baptized are invited to reflect upon the mystery of the Body of Christ of which they are now a part. They are also invited to pay special attention to the Scripture readings of the Easter season. The Scripture readings that we hear at Mass are especially important for the new members of the Church. Neophytes often gather after Mass each week in Easter to talk about their new experiences.

Thirdly, the time of mystagogy is a time for neophtytes to fully embrace and live out their mission of discipleship. Now that they are united to Jesus Christ in Baptism, they share in the mission of Jesus Christ. They now have a responsibility to put into action the promise they made to live as Christ would live. The parish community helps the neophytes to live in the world as a baptized follower of Jesus.

Lastly, the formal period of mystagogy coincides with the fifty days of the Easter Season. However, the extended period of mystagogy lasts to at least the next Easter.

THE HOLY MYSTERIES THE SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION

BAPTISMIn Baptism we are united with Jesus Christ. As we go down into the saving waters (or as the water is poured over us) we are made one with Christ. Just as surely as Jesus descended to the dead after his crucifixion and then rose to new life, we unite ourselves with Christ in the mystery of death and resurrection when we “go down” into the waters of Baptism. Thus, in Baptism we share in the death and the resurrection of the Jesus Christ. Through the power of the holy water our lives become one with the

life of Jesus Christ. As such, we share in all the promises of Christ. Most importantly, we share in the promise of everlasting life.

To symbolize the everlasting life and light of Christ that burns within us we are given a candle at Baptism. The flame of the candle is taken from the flame of the Easter candle or Paschal candle. The Paschal candle represents the light of Christ. As the flame of our baptismal candle has as its source the light of Christ, so too, the source of our life is Christ.

Through the power of the holy waters of Baptism, we are united forever with Jesus Christ. We are made one with Christ and share in the mystery of his life, death, and resurrection. The life-giving waters of Baptism free us from sin and make us a new creation. We are given a new life as God’s adopted daughters and sons.

CONFIRMATIONConfirmation is the second Sacrament of Initiation. It is closely connected to Baptism and includes an anointing with chrism that is similar to the post – baptismal anointing for infants. In the Sacrament of Confirmation the laying on of hands symbolizes our being filled with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, we are anointed with the holy oil of chrism and thereby made to be more like Christ, priest, prophet, and king.

EUCHARISTThe Holy Eucharist is the culminating point of Christian initiation. Having been washed clean in Baptism and made to be more like Christ in Confirmation, the person now comes to the Eucharistic table to receive the bread and wine of everlasting life and to go forth in mission. The word Eucharist refers to “communion” – when we receive the body and blood of Jesus Christ. Eucharist also refers to the Catholic Mass in its entirety.

Eucharist is the bread of life. It is the body and blood of Christ Jesus over Savior. In Eucharist we give praise and thanks for the great sacrifice Jesus made for our salvation. We commemorate the great sacrifice Jesus made for us. We remember and celebrate by sharing in a sacred meal. And, finally strengthened by Christ’s own body and blood, we are sent forth in mission for the life of the world.