Religious Education for Adults

Remembering Church/Returning Catholics: If you have ever said, "I used to be Catholic…" then this might be for you. This ministry offers a forum for Catholics who, for any number of reasons, have not been a part of the Catholic Community for some time and would like to return. These Catholics can meet with parishioners in an atmosphere where listening and dialogue takes place with mutual understanding and respect. All who may feel they have been functioning as inactive Catholics and are searching for answers and healing are welcome.

For more information please call Gerry Nowicki at the parish office.

Women at the Well: Individuals are invited to deepen their understanding of the Catholic tradition by joining together on Wednesday mornings from 9:30-11:00 a.m. in the church. Each session includes prayer, scripture reflection and a presentation on a particular religious teaching. Child care is available.

Sunday Morning Gathering

The Sunday Morning Gathering program meets each scheduled Sunday during the school year from 9:00-10-15 a.m. Everyone is invited to attend any or all of the sessions. The morning begins with coffee and donuts, followed by a time for enrichment. There is no cost for the program and child care is available at no charge.

Experiencing Church in Small Christian Communities

Small Christian Communities (SCC) have been rising up all over the world. These small groups allow Christians to share their voice in faith and prayer as discovery is made of how to makes ones own life and community more open to the presence of God. Scripture passages or other materials are used for spiritual nourishment and inspiration. The recognition of Christ’s presence in each member binds the group members together. Individuals take seriously their baptismal responsibility to minister to others.

Small Christian Communities form one response to the Church’s teaching to evangelize, that is, to take the Word of God to all people. SCC’s model the Church; they are the Church in miniature. Small Christian Communities are a forum for Christians to personally share faith and love of God and then act on that faith and love. Because of the commitment to actively live out their faith, the members work through various forms of outreach to the larger community. For example, the SCC can provide assistance to a family in need or resolve to help at a local soup kitchen.

Small Christian Communities are present in several households in our parish. These groups are led by parishioners who have been trained to facilitate small group gatherings. They guide the group through the gatherings and help provide an environment where everyone can express and share their faith in the manner and to the extent they wish. Each group is made up of those that read scripture faithfully and those that have no knowledge of scripture.

The different ways you can join a group include:

1. Watch the bulletin for when information nights occur that help you gain further know- ledge about a Small Christian Community.

2. Call if you wish to join a group that already exists.

Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a process for those desiring full initiation into the Roman Catholic Church. It applies to those who are not baptized, are baptized in another religion, or are baptized Catholics but have not been fully initiated. It is an opportunity to grow in greater understanding of Jesus, the Bible and scripture, prayer, the sacraments, and the daily living of the Christian life. For those wishing full membership in the Catholic Church, the time culminates in the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation at the Easter vigil.