NEW RELIGIOUS EDUCATION DIRECTOR!
Fr. Jim, Pastor, is pleased to announce that parishioners Lyn Willard and Kathryn Connolly have agreed to serve as the new Co-Directors of our CCD – Religious Education Classes. We are most grateful to them for dedicating their time and talents for our Sunday morning Religious Education classes.
St. John Religious Education: CCD for 2010/11 school year has begun!
Grades 1-5 meet Mondays from 4:00 – 5:15 PM in the School
Grades 6-8 meet Monday from 6:30 – 8:00 PM in the Chapel.
Confirmation Schedule: First Year Combined Classes 2010 – 2011 click here.....
CCD Schedule: Calendar year 2010/2011 click here.....
If you still have not registered for religious education, please call Sr. Ann at 860-344-8569.
St. John Rite of Christian Initiation
RCIC (Rite of Christian Initiation for Children) is from Saturday from 9:30 - 11 in the Chapel. Please contact Sr. Ann Mack or the Rectory.
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) -- date and time undecided. Any adult who is interested in joining the faith or needs to receive sacraments please call Sr. Ann or the Rectory.
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a process to help those seeking to become Catholics and for those who need to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation and Eucharist. It is a journey of faith which helps the individual to deepen his or her relationship with God and with the Community of Faith they are joining. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a Catholic or interested in completing their initiation into the Catholic faith by receiving Confirmation and Eucharist, please contact:
Fr. Mike (860-347-5626) or Sister Ann (860-344-8569)
What Is RCIA?
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a formal program of catechetical instruction, prayer and spirituality, and liturgies - whereby adults are formally admitted into the Catholic Church and receive the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist.
Catechumens – Those who have never been baptized
Candidates – those who have been baptized in other Christian denominations, whose baptism is recognized as valid, or those who have been baptized in the Catholic Church but have never learned or practiced their faith.
The process lasts from your first phone call thru receiving the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil (Holy Saturday- the night before Easter). Sessions begin in September. Catechumens and candidates will learn about the faith, share with each other, and ask questions. It is a time when an individual makes the initial commitment to pursue the faith.
Process Highlights: During the course of the RCIA program, the catechumen or candidate follows a spiritual journey of “steps”.
Catechumenate
When a person has decided to join the Catholic Church, he or she enters the Catechumenate phase. This begins with a Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens, and can be combined with a Rite of Welcoming for candidates. They meet at Mass to hear the Word of God proclaimed and declare their intent to be received into full communion with the church.
In addition to attending Mass, weekly sessions offer opportunities to: Learn more about the sacred Scriptures and the doctrines of the Church Learn about a life of prayer and worship life Develop a relationship with the Catholic Christian
Community Learn how to live and serve others in apostolic witness. This period ends with the Rite of Election which takes place early in Lent. Catechumen’s name is inscribed in the Book of the Elect Period of Purification and Enlightenment. The final, intense preparation for the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation.
Candidates commit to continuing conversion Catechumens participate in three purifying rituals, known as the Scrutinies, which strengthen the elect and help to complete their conversion. At this time we have the presentation of the Creed and the Lord’s Prayer It is a time for reflection and prayer more than teaching This period is concluded with the Sacraments of Initiation to be celebrated at the Easter Vigil.
Mystagogy
Final period of Chrisian initiation. It continues through the Easter Season until Pentecost. New Catholics: Deepen their grasp of the paschal mystery. Make it part of their lives through meditation on the Gospel, sharing in the Eucharist and doing works of charity.
Is This for Me?
God calls each of us at different times in our lives. Faith is a personal journey that only you can decide you are ready for. Hopefully, this information will answer some of your questions about the RCIA process.
Please call the rectory for more information at 347-5626.,
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