From the Pastor’s Desk:

Many changes came with the Second Vatican Council. One of those was the instruction of how people would be instructed in order to come into the Catholic Church. Before the Council pastors simply gave “some” instructions in the faith to those wanting to enter the Church and then brought them into the Church either by Baptism or a Profession of Faith. For many people, depending upon the pastor of the parish, little or very little instruction.

Vatican Council II recommended that the Church renew its way of receiving adult candidates. In fact the council looked at the early Church for examples as it did in many of the reforms. A revised rite called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) was approved by Pope Paul VI in 1972. The RCIA stresses formation in doctrine, liturgy, Church life, and service. It involves the larger church community in welcoming, instructing, helping and praying for the candidates.

This whole change came about for many reasons: 1) sometimes adult converts would stop going to church when the priest that instructed them was transferred, their faith had been built around one person rather than the church itself, 2) large numbers of adult converts were/are knocking on our doors and one on one instruction is no longer feasible, 3) it is important that people experience “church” not only from priests/religious, but also from lay people themselves, 4) the faith journey that a person walks is important and many times needs someone to walk with them.

The RCIA can also serve as a focus for ongoing conversion for all members of the Catholic Church. As Catholics see new candidates learning doctrine, they are encouraged to study their faith. The whole parish community is invited to participate in the liturgical ceremonies welcoming new members. Those rites include RCIA Dismissal from the Liturgy of the Eucharist, the Rite of Acceptance, and The Rite of Sending & Election, The Holy Saturday service, and Mystagogia. As “old” parishioners see the newly baptized begin ministries of service, they are encouraged to serve more generously. Those who act as sponsors, teachers, and “prayer-partners” for the candidates have abundant opportunities for personal growth. I want to thank all those who in the past years have said yes to becoming sponsors for our candidates. I also want to invite “you” to consider becoming a sponsor this year as we begin RCIA next month. If you would like more information, or to become a sponsor please call or email the parish office.