St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

527 S. Houston Ave. Humble, Texas 77338

281-446-8211 (fax) 281-446-8213

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA) INQUIRY FORM

Full Name: _______________________________________________ Today’s Date: ___________________

Address: _________________________________________________________________________________

City: _________________________________________________________ State: ______ Zip: ___________

Cell Phone: ________________________________ Alternate Phone: _______________________________

Email: ___________________________________________________________________________________

Place of Birth / City, State, Country: __________________________________________________________

Date of Birth: _______________________________________

Baptism:

Are you baptized? Yes No (circle one or the other of all Yes/No questions that apply to you)

o If Yes, were you baptized as a Catholic? Yes No

If No, in what Christian denomination? ________________________________________

o If Yes, can you obtain a Baptism certificate/record? Yes No

Church Attendance:

Where do you attend Mass? _____________________________________________________________

How often do you attend Mass? __________________________________________________________

Are you registered at St. Mary Magdalene Church? Yes No Envelope number: ______________

Living Arrangement:

Single Engaged Cohabitating Married Separated Divorced Widowed (circle all that apply)

o If Engaged, when do you intend to marry? ___________________________________________

o If Married, were you married in the Catholic Church? Yes No

If No, where were you married? _____________________________________________

If No, do you wish to marry in the Catholic Church? Yes No

Spouse’s name: __________________________________________________________

Spouse’s religion/denomination: _____________________________________________

o If Divorced (and/or if your spouse is divorced) have you spoken to a priest about it? Yes No

-> OVER -> OFFICE USE

BAPTISM Vol _____ Pg _____ No. _____ CONF Vol _____ Pg _____ No. _____ COMM Vol _____ Pg _____ No. _____

Celebrant ___________________________________________________ Date Celebrated ____________________ Godparents ___________________________ and ___________________________ Sponsor ___________________________

Confirmation Name ____________________________ Date Recorded ____________________ Recorded by __________

St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

527 S. Houston Ave. Humble, Texas 77338

281-446-8211 (fax) 281-446-8213

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA) INQUIRY FORM (cont.)

Children:

Child’s name: ________________________________ Age: ______ Fully initiated Catholic? Yes No

Child’s name: ________________________________ Age: ______ Fully initiated Catholic? Yes No

Child’s name: ________________________________ Age: ______ Fully initiated Catholic? Yes No

Child’s name: ________________________________ Age: ______ Fully initiated Catholic? Yes No

Child’s name: ________________________________ Age: ______ Fully initiated Catholic? Yes No

Child’s name: ________________________________ Age: ______ Fully initiated Catholic? Yes No

Child’s name: ________________________________ Age: ______ Fully initiated Catholic? Yes No

Child’s name: ________________________________ Age: ______ Fully initiated Catholic? Yes No

Questions: (use the back of this form if needed)

1. What brings you to inquire about becoming a Catholic at this time?

2. Have you been active in any faith practices recently or in the past? Elaborate on these experiences.

3. What was your experience of worship and faith as a child? Was your family actively practicing faith

when you were growing up? Was this a positive or negative experience for you?

4. Describe your present family life.

5. Do you have any questions?

St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

527 S. Houston Ave. Humble, Texas 77338

281-446-8211 (fax) 281-446-8213

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA)

GODPARENTS/SPONSOR FORM

Godparents/sponsor for __________________________________________

Name of candidate for baptism and/or confirmation

Choosing your godparents/sponsor is one of the most important decisions you will make.

Godparents/sponsors represent the Church and, as such, it will be their responsibility to help you in your

Catholic Christian formation and education. Therefore, you should verify whether the godparents/sponsor you

have in mind meet the following criteria.

Mandatory Criteria for Godparents/Sponsor (for details see page 4)

1. Must be a baptized Catholic, 16 years of age or older.

2. Has received the Sacraments of Confirmation, Reconciliation (Confession) and

Eucharist (Communion).

3. Is a Catholic in good standing with the Church (e.g. free to take Eucharist)?

4. If either is married, he/she must be in a valid marriage (e.g. a Catholic wedding

that was witnessed by a priest or deacon and two Catholic witnesses).

5. Cohabitating couples should be interviewed to determine if they qualify. Sexual

relationships of any kind outside of marriage are morally wrong and would

disqualify a person from serving as a godparent/sponsor.

6. Divorced persons may be godparents/sponsors as long as they are not remarried

outside of the Church.

7. Is presently practicing his/her faith (attending Catholic Mass each Sunday,

registered in his or her home parish, able to receive Communion and

participating in the sacramental life and activity of the Church).

8. May not be your parent.

One Catholic sponsor is sufficient (and only one is possible if you are only receiving confirmation); if you are to be

baptized as well it is preferable that this person also be your godparent; however, two godparents may be chosen, one

male and one female.

Among your family and friends, is there anyone who stands out as a good example of someone who

practices his/her faith? Remember that the godparents/sponsor may influence you, not only in the practice

of the faith, but also in the virtues of Christian life. Ask God in faith to help you discern the best

godparents/sponsor for you.

St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

527 S. Houston Ave. Humble, Texas 77338

281-446-8211 (fax) 281-446-8213

Name of Male Godfather/Sponsor: ________________________________________

1. He must be a baptized Catholic, 16 years of age or older.

He is a baptized Catholic. He is not a baptized Catholic, so he is not eligible to be my godfather.

He is at least 16 years of age He is younger than 16 so he is not eligible to be my godfather.

2. He must have received the sacraments of confirmation, reconciliation and Eucharist (Communion).

He has received the sacraments of confirmation, reconciliation and Eucharist (Communion).

He has not received all three of the sacraments: confirmation, reconciliation and Eucharist (Communion), so he is not eligible to be my godfather.

3. He must be a Catholic in good standing with the Church (free to take Eucharist).

He is a practicing Catholic, able to receive the sacraments.

He is not a practicing Catholic, and is not able to receive the sacraments, so he is not eligible to be my godfather.

4. Is he married?

Yes. Fill out question 4a. No. Fill out question 4b.

4a.

He had a Catholic wedding that was witnessed by a priest or deacon and two Catholic witnesses.

He was married outside of the Catholic Church, and has not had his marriage convalidated by the Church, so he is not eligible to be my godfather.

4b. He is living a chaste single life.

He is involved in a sexual relationship outside of a Catholic marriage, so he is not eligible to be my godfather.

5. Is he presently practicing his faith?

He is attending Catholic Mass each Sunday, and participating in the sacramental life and activity of the Church.

He is not attending Catholic Mass each Sunday, not participating in the sacramental life and activity of the Church, and is not able to receive the sacraments, so he is not eligible to be my godfather.

Name of proxy, if representing absent godfather: _______________________________

St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

527 S. Houston Ave. Humble, Texas 77338

281-446-8211 (fax) 281-446-8213

Name of Female Godmother/Sponsor: ____________________________________

1. She must be a baptized Catholic, 16 years of age or older.

She is a baptized Catholic. She is not a baptized Catholic, so she is not eligible to be my godmother.

She is at least 16 years of age She is younger than 16 so she is not eligible to be my godmother.

2. She must have received the sacraments of confirmation, reconciliation and Eucharist (Communion).

She has received the sacraments of confirmation, reconciliation and Eucharist (Communion).

She has not received all three of the sacraments: confirmation, reconciliation and Eucharist (Communion), so she is not eligible to be my godmother.

3. She must be a Catholic in good standing with the Church (free to take Eucharist).

She is a practicing Catholic, able to receive the sacraments.

She is not a practicing Catholic, and is not able to receive the sacraments, so she is not eligible to be my godmother.

4. Is she married?

Yes. Fill out question 4a. No. Fill out question 4b.

4a.

She had a Catholic wedding that was witnessed by a priest or deacon and two Catholic witnesses.

She was married outside of the Catholic Church, and has not had her marriage convalidated by the Church, so she is not eligible to be my godmother.

4b. She is living a chaste single life.

She is involved in a sexual relationship outside of a Catholic marriage, so she is not eligible to be my godmother.

5. Is she presently practicing his faith?

She is attending Catholic Mass each Sunday, and participating in the sacramental life and activity of the Church.

She is not attending Catholic Mass each Sunday, not participating in the sacramental life and activity of the Church, and is not able to receive the sacraments, so she is not eligible to be my godmother.

Name of proxy, if representing absent godmother: _______________________________

St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

527 S. Houston Ave. Humble, Texas 77338

281-446-8211 (fax) 281-446-8213

Mandatory Criteria for Godparents/Sponsor

“Good standing with the Church” means that this person is a Catholic who has received the sacraments of initiation (baptism, confirmation, Eucharist), penance and if married, he/she must be in a valid Catholic marriage. A faithful candidate is one who attends Mass regularly, prays in the home, shares the faith with family and when possible participates in active ministry in his/her parish. A divorced Catholic who is not remarried or cohabiting can be a godparent. Why is it important to choose Catholics who practice the faith? As representatives of the Catholic Church, it is the obligation and responsibility of the godparents/sponsor to give you a good example of lived faith so that you may grow to have a loving relationship with God and his Church. We learn best by observing – “faith is caught, not taught.” Can a man sponsor a woman? Can a woman sponsor a man? Yes. The sponsor does not have to be of the same sex as the person being baptized/confirmed. May a Christian of another faith be a godparent/sponsor? A person baptized in another Christian faith may be a Christian Witness, as long as you have one Catholic godparent as well. To be clear, a Christian witness is a baptized non-Catholic Christian who serves along with one Catholic sponsor. This person should be practicing his or her faith according to the norms of his or her faith tradition, including regular participation in Sunday worship. Anyone who has EVER been baptized in the Catholic Church MAY NOT serve as a Christian witness; such a person is considered to be a non-practicing Catholic. Can anyone who is living together without being married be a godparent/sponsor? No, Catholics who are cohabitating in a sexual relationship (either heterosexual or homosexual) without being married to each other in a Catholic ceremony are not eligible to serve as sponsors. What if the godparents/sponsor cannot attend the ceremony? It is acceptable to have a proxy. What if I can’t find a sponsor who meets these guidelines? Let us know. We can find a practicing Catholic from among our parishioners who will serve as a godparent/sponsor. Every person who is baptized must have at least one sponsor. If only confirmation will be received, then only one sponsor can be chosen. This person may be male or female for either a man or a woman.

I promise and affirm that I have read all 4 pages and that my sponsor(s) meet the guidelines presented here.

___________________________________________ _______________ Your Signature Date

St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

527 S. Houston Ave. Humble, Texas 77338

281-446-8211 (fax) 281-446-8213

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA) What is RCIA?

1. How does the Catholic Church welcome and receive its new members?

1. The Church welcomes new members to the Catholic faith through a process of

initiation called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults or RCIA.

2. What is initiation?

1. The process of being admitted to a group or an organization.

3. What is the purpose of RCIA?

1. To welcome new members into the Church and prepare them to receive the

Sacraments of Initiation.

2. The Sacraments of Initiation are Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation.

4. What does Initiation and RCIA entail?

1. Initiation usually involves a process of

i. Initial Inquiry and Preparation

ii. Instruction and Formation

iii. Evaluation and Questioning

5. What are the elements of RCIA?

1. Proclamation of the Word of God.

2. Acceptance of the Gospel

3. Conversion—an inner change of heart and willingness to follow Christ

4. Sacraments of Initiation.

6. How long is the RCIA journey?

1. The RCIA can last several years, but for most people, the process is typically a

year. It can take longer than a year if a person chooses, or if there are special

needs or issues that need to be addressed before reception into the Church.

St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

527 S. Houston Ave. Humble, Texas 77338

281-446-8211 (fax) 281-446-8213

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA) What is RCIA? (cont.)

7. What is the structure of RCIA?

1. The RCIA is divided into four Periods and three Steps or Liturgical Rites.

i. A Period is a stage in the process of initiation.

ii. A Step is a Rite within a Period that marks the end of that Period.

2. A baptized person is engaged during the full process of RCIA but the Steps are

different for them. They are called Candidates, not Catechumens. The Catholic

Church recognizes that person as already a Christian and will honor his original

Baptismal promises during all Periods of the RCIA journey. Unbaptized persons

typically need more time and formation.

8. What are the Periods of RCIA?

1. Evangelization and Pre-catechumenate (also called Inquiry)

2. Catechumenate (an unbaptized person is called a Catechumen)

3. Purification and Enlightenment (this happens during Lent)

4. Mystagogy (reflection on what has just happened, after receiving the

sacraments—this goes on for the rest of a person’s life).

9. What are the Steps (Rites) of RCIA?

1. Rite of Acceptance or Welcome into the order of Catechumenate (marks the end

of the Period of Evangelization or Inquiry ).

2. Rite of Sending and Enrollment of Names (Marks the end of the period of

Catechumenate). This happens on the First Sunday of Lent.

3. Scrutiny Rites (Held during the Period of Purification and Enlightenment to

assess the readiness and willingness of the Catechumens and Candidates to

receive the Sacraments.

4. Sacraments of Initiation (Marks the end of the Period of Purification and

Enlightenment). This usually happens at the Easter Vigil Mass.

St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

527 S. Houston Ave. Humble, Texas 77338

281-446-8211 (fax) 281-446-8213

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA) What is RCIA? (cont.)

10. What is the Period of Evangelization (or Inquiry) about?

1. A time of asking questions.

2. A chance to share your faith story if you wish. How has God been active and

present in your life? What got you here in the first place? What do you want or

expect from this process and from the Church?

3. A time of evangelization (proclamation of the Good News of Jesus Christ).

4. A time to become more informed about the basics Catholic faith.

5. A time to think about the possibility of becoming a Catholic.

11. What happens at the end of this Period?

1. At the end of the Period of Evangelization, Inquirers enter the Period of

Catechumenate by the Rite of Acceptance or Welcome. This is called the first

step: Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens. Inquirers are now called

catechumens (those being instructed).

2. Baptized Inquirers are invited to participate in a Rite of Welcoming, which is a

special prayer service welcoming you into the process of continued formation

and learning. You are under no obligation to continue, but it validates your

decision to continue to journey with us as you decide about becoming Catholic.

12. What is the second Period about?

1. The second period is called Catechumenate.

2. The catechumenate is a time of instruction, formation, prayer, and conversion for

both the baptized and unbaptized participants.

13. Who are the main figures during the Period of Catechumenate?

1. All of the faithful (people who are already Catholic).

2. Sponsors (mentors who will help you as you go through this process).

3. Catechists (those giving instruction).

4. Deacons and Priests.

5. Parish staff, especially the RCIA Director and Pastoral Associate.

6. The RCIA Team.

St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

527 S. Houston Ave. Humble, Texas 77338

281-446-8211 (fax) 281-446-8213

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA) What is RCIA? (cont.)

14. What do catechumens do during this Period of Catechumenate?

1. Catechumens joined the community to study, live and celebrate the Christian

faith for which they are preparing.

15. How does the Period of Catechumenate take place?

1. Prayer, retreats, spiritual direction, conversion, especially Sunday Mass every

Sunday we can possibly attend. Sunday Mass is more important than anything!

2. Through the Liturgy of the Word (the first part of the Mass).

3. Through the teaching and learning the doctrine and tradition of the Church;

understanding God’s commandments and why we should follow them, and

understanding His love, mercy, and forgiveness in our lives.

4. By acts of service to others (community and parish) as you become involved in

the faith community in which we worship.

16. What happens during this Period?

The second Step takes place. It is called “Election” or Enrollment of Names.

17. What is the meaning of the second Step?

1. This Step marks the end of the Period called Catechumenate.

2. This Rite is celebrated early in the Lenten Season and marks the beginning of the

period of final preparation before the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and

Eucharist are celebrated at Easter.

3. The names of those to be baptized at Easter are chosen. A Rite of Sending is

held at St. Mary Magdalene Parish so those who want to receive the Sacraments

can profess this wish. This Rite is followed the next Sunday by all Sent

attending an Archdioceses service with the Bishop so their names can be

enrolled in the Book of the Elect (those who will receive Sacraments at Easter).

4. For those already baptized who are going through RCIA, this is a time to join

with the Faithful to search our hearts and see if we are truly living the Gospel

message of Jesus, and to find ways to live it more fully and faithfully. This is the

goal of every Catholic during Lent. They also profess their desire for the

Sacraments at Easter and may attend the Rite of Election with the catechumen.

St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

527 S. Houston Ave. Humble, Texas 77338

281-446-8211 (fax) 281-446-8213

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA) What is RCIA? (cont.)

18. What is the Period of Purification and Enlightenment?

1. This Period is a time for intense spiritual preparation.

2. Is a special and particular time for repentance and renewal. We turn away from

sin and strive to live in accordance with God’s will. You will attend Scrutiny

Rites during Mass, where everyone participates in the Purification.

19. What is the Period of Mystagogy?

1. During the weeks and months after receiving the sacraments, RCIA classes

continue to provide you with time for reflection on all that has happened,

additional learning for your continued faith journey, and exploring ways for you

to live as disciples in the parish community and in daily life.

2. This Period lasts beyond the classroom for the rest of your life as you continue to

grow in the Lord.

20. What is the Schedule for RCIA at St. Mary Magdalene?

1. Our Program currently runs from September through Easter of the following

year. Inquiry sessions can take place at any time during the calendar year.

2. For Fall 2017, our class sessions will be on Tuesday evening from 7 to 8:45PM.

3. We use as our primary books:

i. The New American Bible.

ii. The U.S. Catholic Catechism for Adults.

iii. We will provide your books.

4. Attendance at MOST classes is expected.

5. Privacy and confidentiality for all parties is expected at all times.

St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

527 S. Houston Ave. Humble, Texas 77338

281-446-8211 (fax) 281-446-8213

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA) What is RCIA? (cont.)

21. What else is important as I prepare?

1. Sunday Mass is the most important thing we do as Catholic Christians. Being a

participant at Mass begins your entry into the Church community and the Body

of Christ and is essential as you prepare for Sacraments and a life of discipleship.

2. Reading your Bible each day.

3. Prayer and adoration are excellent activities for you to begin or increase at this

time.

4. Use technology to complement your learning:

i. www.usccb.org – U.S. Catholic Bishops website has an on-line Bible,

Daily Readings and Reflections, news stories, videos, commentaries and

other interesting and informative information.

ii. www.archgh.org -- The website of this Archdiocese of Galveston-

Houston.

iii. Catholic Radio at 1430 AM or via satellite at GRN.

iv. Daily Mass is offered online at EWTN, 7:00 AM Central.

v. Apps for your phone such at Laudate, the Catholic Mega, Pocket Catholic,

and Catholic Study Bible (see suggestions here).

St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

527 S. Houston Ave. Humble, Texas 77338

281-446-8211 (fax) 281-446-8213

Welcome Letter for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

For persons who wish to become Catholic or complete the Sacraments of Initiation

(Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) in the Catholic Church.

Dear Inquirer,

We warmly welcome you as you inquire about becoming Catholic or completing Sacraments in the

Catholic Church. The parish family of St. Mary Magdalene promises to support you in your endeavor

to discover what it means to be a Catholic and to live as a disciple of Jesus.

Our weekly gatherings consist of prayer, reading of the Word of God, and an opportunity to ask

questions about becoming a Catholic. At all times we encourage open and honest communication,

either in small groups or in private with an individual staff, team member, or your Sponsor. Anything

you choose to share will be held in confidence at all times by every person. No one will pressure you to

do anything you prefer not to do or feel you are not yet ready to do.

We invite you to:

1. Read and review this Welcome Packet carefully. It contains important information that

will help you understand more about this process known as RCIA.

2. Discuss your needs and concerns with a team member so that we may direct you

appropriately, answer your questions, and maintain proper records for you.

3. If you would like to begin the RCIA Process, schedule an Initial Interview with Richard

Grebenc, Director of Adult Faith Formation.

4. Join us for prayer and reading of the Word of God on Tuesdays beginning at 7:00 PM,

followed by catechetical meetings designed to help you learn more about being Catholic.

On behalf of Fr. Felix I. Osasona MSP, our pastor, the RCIA Team, our Parish Staff, and all of the

families here at St. Mary Magdalene, we promise our loving support and prayers for you and your

family during this spiritual journey. We invite you to worship with us at Sunday Mass each week as

you discern the call of the Holy Spirit in your life. We ask you to join us in praying for the growth and

life of all the People of God.

Please contact us if you have any questions or if we can assist you in any way. You may contact

Richard Grebenc at rgrebenc@st-mm.com or 281-446-8211 x246.