Are you interested in Learning about the Catholic Faith?  Are you Catholic, but have never been confirmed?  This Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA) is for you.  We will be having an informational cookout on August 20^th on the back patio of the rectory.  Please bring a friend and come join us.  There is no obligation to become Catholic if in the program.  For more information contact Jason Shanks at jasonshanks@stmarygv.com or by calling him at 445-9668. 

 

 

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

The 2008 - 2009 R.C.I.A. program will kickoff on August 20th at 6:30 p.m. with a cookout on the rectory patio. Jason shanks, Coordinator of Pastoral Ministries, shared the following information regarding the upcoming R.C.I.A. program.

Q: You have mentioned that anyone is welcome to attend any R.C.I.A. session. Could you highlight the upcoming schedule?

A: It is my hope that more than just converts show up to the sessions, but that it can be a time of faith formation for all.  We never stop growing in our knowledge of the faith.  We encourage everyone in the parish to join us at any or all of the upcoming sessions. Classes will begin September 6th and continue through Easter. We have some important and interesting topics to discuss including: “Jesus: Who do they say I am?”, ”The Eucharist”, “The meaning of Christmas”, and “Prayer”. Each of these is an area of lifelong study and discovery. Each topic will be announced in the bulletin prior to class and an outline of topics will be available to all parishioners. Additionally, we are going to have a retreat this year that has a walk-through Mass. This would be a great time for everyone to learn about the Liturgy and discover "why" we do what we do at Mass.

Q: How many will be attending the upcoming classes?

A: Many have already inquired. Through prayer and parish evangelization I am hopeful that we can have 20 new converts this year! I am also hopeful that many wives and husbands who are married to a Catholic would consider joining us.  Each candidate and catechumen will be responsible to get their own sponsor.  Additionally, any teen or adult Catholic who has not been confirmed is expected to attend.

Q: How can we support those candidates who wish to enter the Catholic Church?

A: There are many ways to support those taking this faith journey. The first is to keep them in your prayers. If you are approached by a candidate to be their sponsor, consider this act of stewardship. It is a learning experience for both candidates and sponsors. Come and hear the speakers and topics yourself. Lastly, participate actively in the weekly Mass and during the Easter Triduum.

Q: How can we support the R.C.I.A. program beyond our prayers?

 

Prayer, of course, is huge and is much needed.  I would encourage everyone to pray for the candidates, catechumens, and for the catecheses.  I would also ask that you pray for the family and friends of these converts.  Often, the family and friends are confused by their decision.  Lets us pray for their conversion.  I would also ask two things: invite others to consider being a part of R.C.I.A.  It never hurts to invite.  The second thing is to help us attract others to the Church by being a faithful, and good Catholic.  Holiness is contagious and often the best witness is a life well lived. 

Q: Is there any obligation to become Catholic once you start the process?

 

A:  There is absolutely no obligation.  In fact, I hope many people come just to find out more about Catholicism.  There is no harm in hearing what we have to say and then make a decision.  I, myself, am a convert to the Catholic Church. I never in a million years thought I would be Catholic, but I read, listened and investigated and the rest is history.  Before one just disagrees of what they think the Catholic Church teaches they should at least come and here if we really teach that.  If you have any question please email me at jasonshanks@stmarygv.com.

 

Q: Who else helps out with R.C.I.A.? 

 

A: I am glad you asked.  Michael and Maureen Keebaugh have taken on a significant role within R.C.I.A. and the three of us work in planning, organizing, and working with the R.C.I.A. participants.  I couldn’t thank them enough.  In addition, last year we were fortunate enough to have children who wanted to become Catholic.  Lisa Hess and my wife, Melissa Shanks organized Rite of Christian Initiation for Children.  We will have to wait and see if kids express and interest this year.  Finally, evening prayer is a big part of the experience.  Bill Hedges organizes the evening prayer services and has done so for four years.  And of course, Mary Jo plays for evening prayer with Joy and Cathy Kredal cantoring.  I am indebted to them and I consider them an integral part of the program.  They have always giving generously and I am grateful they will do so this year.  Sung evening prayer is at 6:30pm in the Church.  If you haven’t experienced this—you are missing something pretty special.