Baptismal Preparation
This rebirth into the life of Jesus Christ and entrance into the Church is administered on all Sundays of the month at 2:30 P.M.
St. Joseph Church - Second Sunday of each month.
St. Thomas Church - All Sundays except the second.
Prior to Baptism, you must notify the Parish Office and attend the monthly preparation meeting.
The Sacrament of Marriage
Couples should make arrangements with a priest at least six months prior to the ceremony. The date of the ceremony should be finalized with the church prior to making any other arrangements.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
RCIA is the acronym for the "Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults". From its inception, the Church developed a gradual process, a spiritual journey taking up to three years, whereby one left their old ways and adopted the ways of Christ and culminated in their baptism. We need to remember that in the formative years of the Church, many of those who were known to be Christian were martyred. At the very least, one was making a life altering, radical change to become Christian.
Over the last two thousand years this practice all but disappeared. It wasn't until the later half on the 20th century that this age old tradition was revisited. When Blessed Pope John XXIII called the Second Vatican Council, one of the primary mandates the Council called for was the catechumenate for adults is to be restored (Sacrosanctum Concilium - The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, 4 December 1963.)
By March of 1988, the United States Bishops finalized the RCIA as we know it. RCIA is the vehicle through which we gain an understanding of Christ and His Church so that we are able to fully participate in the life of the Church - beginning with the Sacraments of Initiation.
Who should attend? Naturally, anyone who is interested in becoming Catholic. Also, included on this journey are the Sponsors. Sponsors are those who are already Catholic (godparents, if you will) and wish to mentor a catechumen. We are seeking those who are willing to share in the formation of the faith, to stand in prayer and support as Sponsors to please join us as well. We also want to invite those who would like to serve as ministers of hospitality. We can't welcome someone into our home without a warm smile and a cold drink.
The process can begin at any time during the year. If you are interested in entering our program, please contact Bill and Mary Beth Bonner through the Parish Office.