RCIA Begins Twelth Year

By Greg Morelli, director, RCIA

As we begin our twelfth year of RCIA here at St. Mary's I want to take this opportunity to thank all who have participated in this unique and fulfilling faith formation ministry. To the 110 catechumens and candidates, I say thank you for saying yes to Jesus our Savior and sharing your journey with us.

To the volunteers - team members, sponsor and speakers - I say thank you for saying yes to your calling. To the families and friends of all, I say thank you for your support of our shared faith in Jesus. And to two very special people and their families, whose support and guidance over the last few years have had a profound effect on me and this ministry - Jim Hassett and Bob O'Connell.

As we begin this year's journey the Spirit has brought to us some wonderful candidates and some new team members. We look forward to a faith filled year of learning and laughing; sharing and giving; and growing with and touching each other's lives.

On December 14 the candidates will celebrate the first Rite of Christian Initiation at the 11 a.m. Mass. They will declare their intention to the Church and the Church will accept them. This Rite of Acceptance is a special first step for the candidates.

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a Catholic or if you are a Catholic who is interested in completing their initiation through the sacrament of Confirmation please contact me, Father Paul or Father Dennis. If you would like to help the RCIA team this year, please contact one of us also.