Even though we are in the hot August dog days of summer, here at the parish we are beginning to think about our fall programs.
One of our programs will be an educational and formational program for adults who wish to join the Church. We often call this the RCIA - for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. To the best of my knowledge we have no adult inquirer yet. Perhaps you know someone who might be interested in becoming Catholic or who is looking for a church home? Perhaps they have not practiced the faith for awhile or missed out on some of the sacraments. We can help! Could you take a risk of inviting them? It is really up to parishioners to invite and people are often just looking and waiting for someone to invite them. An invitation can make a huge difference and is just what they need. Last year we had no one to welcome at the Easter Vigil. Welcoming new members is one sign of our vitality! I hope we will have people this year! Please let us know if you have any questions!
We can also have a similar program geared to children of catechetical age. We call this the RCIC - for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Children. So if there are children who wish to become Catholic, we can help!
And speaking of kids, I hope that parents will enroll your children in our religious education program. It is important that parents provide this education for their children. Though our parish is not bursting with children, it does seem to me when I look out at the congregation on Sundays that we have more children who could be participating in the religious education program than we currently have participating. Our Faith Formation Director, Diane Klucka is also looking for catechists and aids to assist them.
We are looking forward to sharing our faith and unleashing the Gospel in these forums.
Fr. Jeff