Catechists and Sponsors for RCIA

The RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is an invitation to un-baptized persons to join the community of Catholic Christians, through the reception of the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. It is also open to those Christians, baptized through other faiths, who wish to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church. The process is a journey of faith in which the parish community assists in preparing the candidates for the reception of the sacraments by catechesis, sponsorship, and above all, by prayer. Catechists make a commitment of 1 1/2 hours per week, from September until Easter and they should have some knowledge of the adult faith learning process, as well as a basic knowledge of the Catholic faith. Sponsors support the candidates on their faith journey and are encouraged to attend all sessions with the candidate.

Rites of Christian Initiation For Children

This ministry assists children of catechetical age (age 7 and higher) who have not been baptized or are seeking to complete the sacraments of initiation. The RCIC follows the catechetical formation of the Rites of Christian Initiation of Adults, adapted for children. Because we deal with children of different ages and at different stages of their initiation, we need many volunteers to assist as teachers in this ministry. They meet twice per month on a weekday evening.

Children's Saturday Catechetical Program

Volunteers work with the parish coordinator to assist children in public schools to learn about their faith. This program works under the direction the School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND) and a local coordinator. Catechetical sessions are on Saturday morning from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. from September to June. Faith formation is provided for all catechists using a program called “Echoes of Faith” The total time commitment with formation is two hours each Saturday morning from September to June. Ideally we would like parents who have children enrolled in the program to assist but we are happy to include anyone who is a fully initiated Catholic over the age of 16 to assist with this ministry.