I want to know more about Catholicism

What we are doing at St. Johns

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a process for bringing into the Catholic Church both those who have never been baptized (Catechumens) and those who were baptized in a non-Catholic Church (Candidates for Full Communion). RCIA is also the best way for adult Catholics who have never been confirmed to prepare for that final Sacrament of Initiation.

Each year in September, St. John the Baptist begins a new class of RCIA, and we invite to participate everyone who would like to join the Catholic Church or who is at least curious to understand the teachings and customs of Catholic Christianity. For those who have never been baptized, this process will culminate in Baptism at the Great Vigil of Easter in the spring. Those who are already baptized will be received into full communion with the Catholic Church by a profession of faith at the same Vigil. Finally, the newly baptized adults and those who make their profession of faith will all be confirmed and share in the Holy Eucharist for the first time at the Easter Vigil.

While classroom work is a part of the process, RCIA is more than a class; it is a gradual introduction to the customs, beliefs, practices, and devotions of Catholicism. Those who participate will be guided by teachers and assisted by mentors to understand the richness of Catholic worship and teaching as a preparation for making a profession of faith at Easter: “I believe and profess all that the holy Catholic Church believes, teaches, and proclaims to be revealed by God.”

The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation for all who believe, and the Church invites all persons to live in the fullness of the freedom of the children of God through faith, hope, and love. Such abundant life is given ordinarily through the seven Sacraments of the New and Everlasting Covenant, and the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the pathway to full sacramental life in the Church. Please join us on that path..

Our classes are conducted in the Community Center upstairs at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays. For more information, please contact Fr. John Maxwell at 232-5659, Richard Keller at 234-1754 or John Houghton at 526-1401.

Winter/Spring 2008 schedule