The Office of Christian Initiation is a department within the Office of Sacred Worship. Responsibilities of the Office of Christian Initiation are to:
- Support parish catechumenate and initiation ministries,
- Sponsor Christian Initiation (RCIA) leader and team formation programs,
- Offer in-service and formation for Christian Initiation ministries, and
- Plan and coordinate the annual Rite of Election ceremonies at the Cathedral Basilica.
Joseph Milner serves as the director of the office and is normally in the office on Wednesday. He also serves as Pastoral Associate at St. Francis Xavier College Church on other days. He can be contacted:
The Office is assisted by Christian Initiation leaders from throughout the Archdiocese. The team assists in planning formation events and the Rite of Election each year.
- JEFF FINNEGAN, Pastoral Associate - Blessed Teresa of Calcutta (NE Deanery)
- NANCY LLOYD, Christian Initiation team member- All Saints (St. Charles Deanery)
- PAUL SEGURA, Christian Initiation team member - St. Ferdinand (NE Deanery)
- JEAN STEED, St. Patrick, Wentzville (St. Charles Deanery)
- LAURA FLANAGAN, Incarnate Word Parish (West County Deanery)
- MARGARET MANTIA, St. Joan of Arc (South City Deanery)
Local Events
Workshop for Team members
God has abundantly blessed the Church in St Louis with hundreds of individuals each year who wish to become Christians or who wish to share in the sacramental life of the church. Many people are needed to minister to these individuals as they make their journey of faith. Along with new people inquiring about God and the Church, new ministers are needed each year to assist and support them.
Christian Initiation Basics offers those beginning this ministry an understanding of the Christian Initiation Process, the catechetical themes, spiritual formation, liturgical rites, and various ministry responsibilities. The Office of Christian Initiation presents this workshop for those newly involved in the Christian Initiation ministry and as a review for those who have some experience. It will be held on Saturday, August 24.
Registration information available here.
Workshop for Godparents and Sponsors
A workshop for godparents and sponsors will be offered to help those invited to accompany individuals on their journey of faith. They serve as friends, witnesses to the faith by their lives, and guides as individuals encounter new experiences and practices while coming to know Christ and the Catholic Faith. It is a ministry of great importance as they walk with people who are coming to know the faith community. The workshop, Godparent and Sponsor: Accompanier on the Journey, will be held on Saturday, September 14 at Incarnate Word parish in Chesterfield. Registration information available here.
Workshop on Ministering to the Previously Baptized
This upcoming workshop will examine the spiritual journey of Christians who wish to be received into full communion with the Catholic Church. Because they are members of the Body of Christ by virtue of the baptism, they are called to grow in their understanding of their baptism and enter a deeper relationship with Christ through the church. Fr. Chuck Barthel, pastor of Mary, Mother of the Church, will lead the workshop.Ministering to the Previously Baptized will be held on October 19 at Mary, Mother of the Church parish.Registration will be available in August.
Regional Events
Wading Deeper
Wading Deeper is the annual summer workshop to engage catechumenate ministers in a deeper immersion in the vision, method, and ministry requires by the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults for parish and diocesan ministry. It is cosponsored by the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois and the Diocese of Belleville.
August 2-3, 2019 at Holy Family Parish in Litchfield, Illinois.
Reverend Steve Lanza will speak on the Year-Round Catechumenate – The Methodology. For more information visit: https://www.dio.org/worship.Rite of Election
Dates Assigned to Parishes
Seating Charts
Reservations and Letters
Sample letter to Presider word
Sample Letter to Presider pdf
Resources for Rite of Election
Resources for RCIA
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (Text Preview by Google Books)
Archdiocesan Guidelines
Guidelines for Implementation of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
USCCB Documents
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
Prayer Resources
3-minute Retreat
Need a few moments of reflection during your day? Take a break from your daily routine and check out this 3-minute retreat: www.loyolapress.com.
Pray as You Go
pray-as-you-go.org/home/
Sacred Space
sacredspace.ie