Syllabus



**__ 2013-2014 RCIA Process __**

Time: Tuesday evenings 7pm to 9pm - during school session Location: St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Student Center – upper room unless noted **(**1520 Euclid Ave., Boulder)
 * Weekly Catechesis:**

Time: Sunday evenings 6pm to 7pm – starting on **December 8th** during school session Location: St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church ( 998 14th St., Boulder)
 * Breaking Open the Word:**


 * Special Rites:**
 * Rite of Welcome and Acceptance:** Sunday, December 8th 6pm St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church
 * Rite of Sending Forth:** Sunday, March 9th at 11am at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church
 * Rite of Election:** Sunday, March 9th from 4:30pm to 6pm at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception, Denver

Sunday, March 23rd 6 pm – St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church (//Tentative, Spring Break//) Sunday, March 30th 6 pm – St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church Sunday, April 6th 6 pm – St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church (or at Retreat at YMCA of the Rockies) //*These are followed by Breaking Open of the Word//
 * 3 Scrutinies for Catechumens Only:**


 * 2 Presentations for Catechumens Only**
 * Presentation of the Creed:** Tuesday, March 18th 5:10pm - St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church
 * Presentation of the Lord's Prayer:** Tuesday, March 25th 5:10pm - St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church

**Retreat:** Saturday, April 5th at Noon to Sunday, April 6th at 4:30pm – **overnight** Location: YMCA of the Rockies

Various optional outings throughout school year - TBA
 * Social:** Tuesday December 17th 7pm to 9pm – Advent Party - location TBA

//*One Service Projects & Pilgrimages a semester, TBA//
 * Service:**

Saturday, April 19th - 10am rehearsal – St. Thomas Aquinas Church Saturday, April 19th – 8:30pm to 12am **Easter Vigil Mass** Sunday, April 20th - 12:01am – Celebration party after in church hall
 * Catechumens (Unbaptized)** **Received:**

Friday, April 25th – 6:00pm Arrival for all Candidates and Sponsors Friday, April 25th --- 7:30pm - 9:00pm Mass at St. Thomas Aquinas Church 9:00pm – Celebration party after in church hall
 * Candidates (Baptized)** **Received: DATE IS TENTATIVE CURRENTLY**

**__ RCIA Schedule __**

**__ First Semester __**

** Pre-Catechumenate: Welcome & Introduction to RCIA ** The first section of this class will consist of introductions of both staff and participants while the second section will discuss the purpose of RCIA, the schedule, and reasons for why the Church has created such a process.
 * Tue, September 24th, 7pm – 8pm Upper Room of Catholic Student Center **

** Pre-Catechumenate: Why Believe in God and Christianity? ** ** Tue, October 1st, 7pm - 9pm Upper Room of the Catholic Student Center ** Sometimes it is easy for us to place the proverbial cart before the horse. In other words, we may be interested in becoming Catholic before we stopped to appreciate the beauty of the necessity of God for life to exist and the historical credibility of the Christian Faith. This information may not be necessary for most people, but it can serve as a wonderful rock in difficult times.

**Tue, October 8th, 7pm – 9pm Upper room of Catholic Student Center** The first section of class will discuss Christ's establishment of a visible Church in Scripture, supported by early Church witnesses. The second section will focus on common objections to the Catholic Church being "Christ's Church" along with answers to these objections.
 * Pre-Catechumenate: Why Be Catholic? **

**Tue, October 15th, 7pm – 9pm Upper Room of Catholic Student Center** Why do we genuflect? What is genuflection? What are those little bowls of water when you come into the Church? Why do we make the sign of the cross? How do we make the sign of cross? What is a Rosary? Catholic practicals are indispensable for the Catholic as they express practically the richness of the faith. In other words, the things Catholics do are for a reason. This class will focus on revealing the meaning behind the things Catholics due.
 * Pre-Catechumenate: Catholic Practicals 101 **

**Tue, October 22nd, 7pm – 9pm Upper room of Catholic Student Center** Is praying for man or is man for praying? Sometimes we can easily succumb to the temptation to think it is the latter rather than the former. How many times have we forced ourselves to pray in a certain way, thinking by doing so we may achieve a particular end in mind (i.e. a petition granted). We end up reducing God to a circus animal as we probe and prod Him to jump through our hoops through "particular prayers for particular outcomes." This is not prayer or at least it is a far cry from prayer that satisfies the soul. This class will unlock the depth and richness of prayer, restoring the proper order of praying being a pure gift for the human person and not a burden.
 * Pre-Catechumenate: What is Prayer? **

**Tue, October 29th, 7pm – 9p Begins at** **Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church** The first section of the class will be held at the Church on 14th and Aurora for a tour of the Church. The second section introduces everyone to the basic elements of the Mass (i.e. how to work through the missal, common prayers, gestures, and structure of Mass).
 * Pre-Catechumenate: Church Tour and Introduction to Mass **

**Tue, November 5th, 6pm – 7pm** meeting for sponsors only **Tue, November 5th, 7pm – 9pm Upper room of Catholic Student Center** Mass is more than a Sunday obligation or at least it ought to be. What is the Mass? What (again) is theology? If theology is the understanding of God, then Mass (if it is a theology) ought to reveal God to ourselves. How does it? Finally, if it is God (Christ particularly) that reveals man (male and female) to him/herself then how might we come to know ourselves better through the Mass?
 * Sponsor Meeting ** **Upper room of Catholic Student Center**
 * Pre-Catechumenate: The Theology of the Mass **

**Tue, November 12th, 7pm – 9pm Upper room of Catholic Student Center** The first section will focus on our unique ability to know and love God as human beings. This will ultimately answer the question of what makes us different from the rest of creation. The second section will address the upcoming feast day of All Saints Day and the commemoration of faithfully departed (All Souls Day). The third section will be open for Q&A over any topics.
 * Pre-Catechumenate: Our Capacity for God & Q&A **

=** Pre-Catechumenate: God's Initiative (Divine Revelation), the Human Response (Faith) & Advent **= **Tue, November 19th, 7pm – 9pm Upper room of Catholic Student Center** The first section of the class will discuss “What is Divine Revelation?” and why it and reason are compatible. In addition, we will speak about why it was necessary for God to communicate Himself for our sake. The second section will focus on our response in faith but not BLIND faith to God's revealing of Himself. In essence, we will explain how the appropriate journey of life is to believe so that one may understand, not necessarily understand so that one may believe. The Second section will introduce the upcoming season of Advent

**Tue, December 3rd, 6pm – 7pm** meeting for sponsors only **Tue, December 3rd, 7pm – 9pm Upper room of Catholic Student Center** The first section will briefly revisit the previous RCIA section on the Mystery of Sin to paint an adequate portrait for the need of a redeemer. We will then briefly trace the Old Testament narrative focusing on God's preparation for the redeemer to come from Israel for the world. The second section will address the upcoming Holy Day of Obligation which is the ** Immaculate Conception on December 8th **. The final section go over the structure of this weeks upcoming rite.
 * Sponsor Meeting ** **Upper Room of Catholic Student Center**
 * Catechumenate: Salvation History, The Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception & Rite of Welcome/Acceptance **

**Sun, December 8th, 6pm – 8pm** **Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church -- Second Sunday of Advent** Breaking Open the Word (BOW) is a time where the Candidates and Catechumens reflect more deeply on the Mass readings during the liturgy of the Eucharist at Mass. Since each of you cannot receive communion yet, you will be dismissed after the Homily at the 6:00 pm Mass each Sunday to reflect on the Word of God with a leader. You are asked to be present for each BOW beginning at the Rite of Welcome and Acceptance until Easter. **Sun, December 8th, 6pm – 7pm** **St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church** **Second Sunday in Advent**
 * Rite of Welcome and Acceptance ** followed by ** Breaking Open the Word **
 * Breaking Open the Word **

**Tue, December 10th, 7pm – 9pm Upper room of Catholic Student Center** The first section will address the actual event of redemption which begins at the incarnation which is when God becomes man in Jesus Christ. We will focus on the dual natures of Christ in relationship to his personhood, along with reasons why Christ had to be fully human and divine for our sake. The second section of class will examine Christ's life and ministry through the Scriptures. Christ is not only our redeemer but He is also our exemplar. Thus, by understanding the way he lived we understand more fully how we ought to live.
 * Catechumenate: The Incarnation of Christ & The Life of Christ **

**Sun, December 15th, 6pm – 7pm** **St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church** **Third Sunday in Advent**
 * Breaking Open the Word **

**Tue, December 17th, 7pm – 9pm** Where TBA A time to get away from formal class!
 * Advent Party **

**__ Second Semester __**

**Tue, January 14th, 7pm-9pm Upper room of** **Catholic Student Center** This class will continue the discussion of Christ's as we now look at the salvific significances of his death, resurrection, and ascension into heaven. As we dive into these mysteries of Christ, we will be focusing on Christ's words that express his continued presence on earth even after his ascension through the sending of the Holy Spirit expressed formally through His established Church. The Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts will be the centerpiece for this discussion.
 * Catechumenate: Christ's Death, Resurrection, and Ascension **

**Sun, December 19th, 6pm – 7pm** **St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church**
 * Breaking Open the Word **

**Tue, January 21st, 6pm – 8pm Upper room of Catholic Student Center** The first section of class will readdress some of what we spoke of in the pre-catechumenate while going deeper into the mystery of God's nature. The second section of class will transition from God's nature to His plurality of persons trying to make sense of this great mystery. We will ultimately tie all threads together by addressing how this relates to ourselves being made in God's image.
 * Catechumenate: Mystery of God and Mystery of Trinity **

**Sun, January 20th, 6pm – 7pm** **St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church**
 * Breaking Open the Word **

**Tue, January 28th, 7pm – 9pm Upper room of Catholic Student Center** The first section of class will discuss why God created and the original order of creation. In other words we will speak about the original harmony of man to himself/herself, to his/her neighbor, to God, and to the environment. The second section of class will discuss the utter tragedy of the first sin and how it fundamentally ruptured harmony within oneself, with one's neighbor, with God, and with creation. We will focus on how the relationship between man and woman has been compromised, and how the remedy for sin lay ultimately in the hands of God!
 * Catechumenate: Mystery of Creation and Mystery of Sin **

**Sun, February 2nd, 6pm – 7pm** **St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church**
 * Breaking Open the Word **

A **mandatory** meeting for Sponsors to discuss logistics. The first section of class will discuss the Holy Spirit in its relationship to both Christ and the Church. As the soul is the life-force of the body so is the Holy Spirit the life-force of the Church. It is precisely in this life-giving power that the Church calls each and everyone of us to holiness. The second section of class will center around what the Church actually is as a divine and human institution. The third section of class will focus on and unpack the four pillars of the Church: One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic.
 * Sponser Meeting **
 * Tues, February 4th, 6pm -- 7pm Upper room of Catholic Student Center**
 * The Holy Spirit & the Mystery of the Church **
 * Tues, February 4th, 7pm – 9pm Upper room of Catholic Student Center**

**Sun, February 9th, 6pm – 7pm** **St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church**
 * Breaking Open the Word **

**Tue, February 11th, 7pm – 9pm** **Upper room of Catholic Student Center** This class will speak about the similarities between the Church and Mary. We will also discuss the dogmas of Mary, common objections made by non-Catholic Christians along with responses to those objections. In addition, we will talk about particular devotions to Mary.
 * Something About Mary **

**Sun, February 16th, 6pm – 7pm** **St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church**
 * Breaking Open the Word **

**Tue, February 18th, 7pm – 9pm Upper room of Catholic Student Center** The first section will dovetail of the previous class as we will address the larger spectrum of devotion to Mary which is the communion of saints. Here we will address the Catholic belief in the intercessory power of pray on behalf of those who have gone before us and are now in heaven. Again, we will discuss common objections made by many non-Catholic Christians along appropriate responses. The second section of this class will close of the âCreed Pillarâ as we speak about Death, Judgment, Heaven and Hell. The Catholic doctrines of Justification and Purgatory will be readdressed and defended in this section.
 * Intercession of Saints and Four Last Things **

**Sun, February 23rd, 6pm – 7pm** **St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church**
 * Breaking Open the Word **

The first section will offer a short introduction to the seven sacraments of the Church focusing on what a sacrament actual is and its biblical foundations. The second section will be about the upcoming season of Lent and what means for the Christian, especially for those in RCIA since Lent was initially for the candidates and catechumens of RCIA. We will discuss such things as fasting, abstaining, and things to give up for Lent.
 * What is a Sacrament, Lent, and Q&A **
 * Tue, February 25th, 7pm – 9pm Upper room of Catholic Center **

The first section of class will begin with an introduction to the Sacrament of Marriage. While most lessons on sacraments begin with the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation), this method focuses on the element that binds all the sacraments together which is betrothal love. This is why we begin with the sacrament of Marriage. The second section will address some of the most contentious issues surrounding ethics: Human Sexuality. The purpose of this section is to clarify and understand the reasons for why the Church believes what she believes about the moral norms guiding sexuality.
 * Sacrament of Marriage and Human Sexuality **
 * Tue, March 4th, 7pm – 9pm Upper room of Catholic Center **

A ** mandatory ** meeting for Sponsors to discuss logistics. The first section will discuss the Sacrament of Holy Orders, commonly referred to as the Priesthood. We will look at its biblical foundation, its historical heritage, and define the hierarchy of the Church from within the Priesthood. We will also address the topic of women in the Priesthood. The Second Section will explain how one can make a good confession.
 * Sponser Meeting **
 * Tues, March 11th, 6pm -- 7pm Upper room of Catholic Student Center **
 * Sacrament of Holy Orders and How to Make a Good Confession **
 * Tues, March 11th, 7pm – 9pm Upper room of Catholic Student Center**

**Sun, March 16th, 11am** **St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church** **Sun, March 16th, 11am** **St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church** **RCIA Brunch** **Sun, March 16th, 12pm-1:30pm** **Church Hall and Kitchen** **Rite of Election** **Sun, March 16th, 4:30pm-6pm** **Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception**
 * Rite of Sending **
 * Breaking Open the Word **

**Tue, March 18th, 5:10pm – 6:00pm** **St. Thomas Aquinas Student Center** **Sacraments of Initiation** **Tue, March 18th, 7:00pm – 9:00pm** **St. Thomas Aquinas Student Center** The first section will introduce the Sacraments of Initiation, examining them one at time and offering biblical foundations as well as articulating the unique graces each of the sacraments afford the believer.
 * Presentation of Creed **

**Sun, March 23rd, 6pm-7:30pm** **St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church**
 * First Scrutiny and Breaking Open the Word: For Catechumens/Elect only **

**Sun, March 30th, 6pm – 7:30pm** **St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church**
 * Second Scrutiny and Breaking Open the Word: For Catechumens/Elect only **

**The Sacraments of Healing** This class will focus on the Sacraments of Healing which are Confession and the Anointing of the Sick. Like the previous section, we will observe their respective biblical foundations and the grace they offer to the Christian.
 * Presentation of the Creed: For Catechumens/Elect only **
 * Tue, April 1st, 5:10pm – 7pm Upper room of Catholic Student Center **
 * Tue, April 1st, 7pm – 9pm Upper room of Catholic Student Center**

**Sat. & Sun., April 5th-6th** **Location: YMCA of the Rockies** **Sun, April 6th, will be held at the Retreat Center**
 * RCIA Retreat **
 * Third Scrutiny and Breaking Open the Word **

**Tue, April 8th, 5:10pm – 7pm Upper room of Catholic Center** **Tue, April 8th, 7pm – 9pm** **Upper Room of Catholic Student Center** This class will directly build upon the previous week’s class. If the Church truly is the protector of all that is true, good, and beautiful regarding faith and morals, then it is the Church that we look to to discover what it means to be authentically human! In other words, it is the Church's mission to remind and call each and every person to the fact that we are all "made for more"; we are made for virtue! The entire class will be dedicated to learning what it means to live a virtuous life. We will examine the moral life through the lens of virtue. In other words, we will attempt to shy away from what we ought NOT to do, and focus more on what we OUGHT to do.
 * Presentation of the Creed: For Catechumens/Elect only **
 * Made for More: Living for Virtue **

**Sun, April 13th, 6pm-7:30pm** **St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church**
 * Breaking Open the Word **

**Tue, April 15th, 7pm – 9pm** **Upper Room of Catholic Student Center** This last class will continue from last week’s class as we begin to tread into deeper waters with the Virtue Driven Life through the lens of the Ten Commandments.
 * The Virtue-Driven Life: The Ten Commandments **

**Sat, April 19th, 10am – 11:30am** **St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church** **Sat, April 19th, 8:30pm – Midnight** **St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church** **Sat, April 19th, Midnight – 1:30 a.m.** **St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church Hall**
 * Easter Vigil Rehearsal **
 * Easter Vigil **
 * Easter Vigil Party **

**Tue, April 22nd, 7pm** ** – 8pm, **** Upper Room of Catholic Student Center **
 * Rehearsal for Candidates **

**Fri, April 25th, 7:30pm-9pm** **St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church** **Fri, April 25th, 9pm** ** – 10:30pm, **** St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church Hall **
 * Confirmation and Full Communion Rite **
 * Reception/Celebration **

**Tue, April 29th, 7pm - 9pm Upper Room of Catholic Student Center**
 * Mystagogia: Game Night **

**Tue, May 6th, 7pm - 9pm Upper Room of Catholic Student Center**
 * Mystagogia: Game Night **