Five New Candidates to Join Church

By Greg Morelli, Director, RCIA

On Sunday December 12, three adults preparing to be baptized and two adults seeking reception into the full communion of the Catholic Church celebrated the Rite of Acceptance here at St. Mary’s. With their sponsor acting as a witness, the Candidates expressed their desire to have Faith and Eternal Life. Then the sponsors, along with the St. Mary community, committed to supporting these Candidates on their faith journey. As you read this, I trust you will take this commitment to heart. As a Christian family, we all have a responsibility to support one another – in action, word and deed.

On February 13, these Candidates – Michael Cox, Benjamin Keller, Todd Schnitzer, Christina Taft and Jonathon Wensky – will join Candidates from the entire diocese to celebrate the Rite of Election with Bishop McManus at St. Paul's Cathedral. At this Rite the Church formally ratifies their readiness for the sacraments of initiation and they express the will to receive these sacraments. What a powerful testimony to the vibrancy of the Church today to see the Cathedral filled with so many people being called to follow Jesus!

Upon completion of their preparation, the Candidates will celebrate the Rites of Initiation – including the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist – on March 26 at the Easter Vigil here at St. Mary’s. This is a wonderful celebration and I invite you all to join us. Your heart will be filled with the joy of the Risen Christ!

The Candidates and team members attend mass together on a regular basis. Please offer your support and encouragement to the Candidates (and team members) if you see them. These five adults are truly an inspiration to us all. Let us learn from their commitment and teach by our example.

Each year the RCIA grows in its ministry to help adults become Catholics. New speakers and new topics each year make the journey for Candidates and team members alike a truly faith-filled, fun and rewarding experience. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a Catholic or if you are a Catholic who is interested in completing your initiation through the sacrament of Confirmation, or if you would like to become a team member, please join us at one of our weekly meetings. The schedule is in the bulletin each week. Or if you prefer, feel free to contact Fr. Paul or Greg Morelli at 508.845.6938.