RCIA in The Incredibles Amy Mohajer, Colin Ferrier, Colin Rowe, Matt Mark, Grant Shoults

Mr. Paschual

Religion 3, Period

22 September 2014

Rite of Acceptance

The first step in RCIA (Right of Christian Initiation of Adults) is the period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate. This is the time of inquiry to gospel values, and an opportunity for the beginning of faith. The person going through this stage is known as a “catechumen” and at this point and this time marks the beginning of the catechumenate proper.

In the Incredibles, the Rite of Acceptance takes place when Mr. Incredible (who has incredible super human strength) and his family are trying to gain back the trust and loyalty of the citizens of the community. The reason why people do not like them at this moment is because he is sued by a man because he was attempting to commit suicide and Mr. Incredible saved him. The American government then forces all the superheroes to give up their hero work and live normal lives. 15 years later, he questions whether or not to help people again because he longs for his glory days. He ends up beginning to help people out again and he gains back the people’s trust. Sparking the revival and new beginning of his new life protecting the people of his community. He is now “accepted”.

Rite of Election

The second step in the process of RCIA is the Period of Catechumenate which is the time for the nurturing and growth of the catechumens’ faith and conversion to God. This person is known as a “catechumen”. At this point, the Catechumens can now express the will of wanting to receive Sacraments

In the Incredibles, The Rite of Election is the people’s reaction to Mr. Incredible and his family. Although this mark is a long progression and takes place much longer than Mr. Incredible wanted, the people of the community are loyal to Mr. Incredible and his family. Over the course of the movie, he has performed acts that puts his life into extreme danger and the people see how DEVOTED he is to the city and they finally acknowledge that by giving him positive recognition and press.

Sacraments of Initiation

The third step is the Period of Purification and Enlightenment and it immediately precedes the elect’s initiation (Easter Vigil). This is a time of reflection, intensely centered on conversion, marked by the scrutinies and presentations for the preparation rites on Holy Saturday. These people are now known as “the elect”. The elect are now initiated through Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist.

In the Incredibles, this takes place immediately after Mr. Incredible defeats Syndrome’s (the antagonist in the movie) self made destructive robot. Just like RCIA, it required a lot of focus and devotion to destroy the robot. By Mr. Incredible defeating the robot, the city is saved from total destruction and his initiation is the fact that Mr. Incredible is now given complete authority to protect the city along with his sidekicks and his family.

Typically Pentecost

The Fourth and final step is the Period of Postbaptismal catechesis or mystagogy. This is the newly initiated experience of being a full member of the Christian Community by the means of pertinent catechesis. The person is now known as a “Neophyte”.

In the Incredibles, it is not exactly known how Mr. Incredible goes about life since he is now a permanent member and hero of the community because the saga has not been completed yet. However, in the last scene of the movie, The “Underminer” (another antagonist) surfaces from the ground and “declares war on peace and happiness”. The whole family puts on their masks and prepares to battle the “Underminer” and to protect the city.