Dear Community of Saint Joseph’s;

 

Perhaps you are a person who attends Saint Joseph’s on Sunday with a family member and have considered the possibility of receiving the Sacraments but feel that the time might not be right or that the demands could be daunting.  If you were never baptized or perhaps baptized as an infant and never received the Sacraments of Eucharist or Confirmation we have a process of initiation that is designed to prepare and welcome you into the adventure of the spiritual life.

 

This process of initiation is lead by a team of adults from our parish community who meet on Thursday evenings to answer questions and study the Word of God.  The hope of the team is that through the study of God’s Word and our Traditions the adult will grow in Christian faith, hope and love.  There are different stages in this Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).  We begin this fall with the stage called Inquiry.  This is a time when all interested adults are invited to attend these Thursday evening sessions and ask questions.  There is no attempt to pressure any person into anything more than satisfying their curiosity.  During Advent, which is the Church’s time of preparation for Christmas, those adults who are ready, commence the second stage of this journey we call the Catechumenate.  This is the stage when these adults take on the identity of formally studying our faith and preparing to receive the Sacraments at Easter.

 

Beginning Thursday September 3, Saint Joseph’s will begin hosting Inquiry sessions at 7:00 in the evening.  If you are a person who has been considering the process of becoming Initiated into the Church and it’s Sacraments I would encourage you to attend these sessions.  There is no pressure and you may come with all your questions about the Church.  Perhaps you have a friend or family member who has been considering conversion and you might pass on this letter and your own encouragement.

 

If you are interested in the possibility of attending these Inquiry sessions or would simply like more information please contact our parish office and leave a message for either Tom O’Brien or Therese Tong.  The RCIA is an extraordinary experience that will absolutely enhance your life and open possibilities for peace, transformation and community.

 

 

 

Father Matt Pennington

Pastor