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FAITH FORMATION: RCIA

Last revised: July 19, 2008 12:21 PM

This is what John the Baptist proclaimed:

"One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs on his sandals. I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."

It happened in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. On coming up out of the water he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, "You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased."
~ Mark 1:7-11:L21B

On this Page:
About the RCIA Program | RCIA Children's Catechist | RCIA Sponsor

Do you have questions about the Catholic Faith?
Are you searching for a deeper relationship with God?

If you are interested in becoming a member of our Catholic community, read on...

If you are un-baptized or have been baptized in another Christian tradition we would like to invite you to make a difference in your life by exploring the journey toward becoming a Catholic. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) process welcomes anyone who has a desire to know more about the Catholic Church. Invite someone to come and find out who we are and what we're all about! Contact Joe Wilseck at the Parish Office, 586-268-2244. more...

The RCIA Program
The RCIA, which stands for Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, is a process through which non-baptized men and women enter the Catholic Church. It includes several stages marked by study, prayer and rites at Mass. Participants in the RCIA are known as catechumens. They undergo a process of conversion as they study the Gospel, profess faith in Jesus and the Catholic Church, and receive the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Holy Eucharist. The RCIA process follows the ancient practice of the Church and was restored by the Second Vatican Council as the normal way adults prepare for baptism. In 1974 the Rite for Christian Initiation for Adults was formally approved for use in the United States. more...
~ Obtained from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

RCIA Children's Catechist
People who are willing to share their faith facilitate and teach small group sessions for children seeking Christian initiation. Lesson planning sessions and resource material are provided to equip the catechist for this ministry. Time commitment included being part of a catechist team that works on a rotating basis depending on need (approximately 8-10 sessions per year); and attending at least one 2 hour Catechist Formation Topic Session offered at various times and locations. Contact Joe Wilseck at the Parish Office, 586-268-2244.

RCIA Sponsor

An RCIA sponsor is a person willing to be a friend, witness, companion and guide for a woman or man seeking Christian initiation. Sponsors do not teach, but rather accompany the person seeking initiation on their faith journey. Although initiation is the responsibility of the whole community of St. Blase, the sponsor represents the community in a personal and direct way; therefore we need BOTH children and adult sponsors (anyone over the age of 8). Time commitment includes attendance at weekly Tuesday evening sessions with the candidate for the duration of the candidate's participation in the RCIA process (approximately 9-12 months).

It's your responsibility!

It is said that St. Francis of Assisi once commented to his friars, "Go and preach, using words if you must." That same challenge is given to each one of us by virtue of our baptism. We are called to be witnesses of our faith and to share who God is in our lives with others. Whether we are aware of it or not, the way we live our lives, the way we give ourselves to others, speaks volumes to those who come into contact with us.

Perhaps someone you know has shared with you how you have touched their life or how they can tell that God is important to you. Perhaps some of these people have experiences an interest in learning more about your faith. Perhaps you would be interested in sharing more with others as a sponsor in the RCIA process.

The RCIA offers participants the opportunity to reflect on the scriptures and discover how those scriptures apply to their lives; to look at the teachings of the Church; and to grow in faith through prayer and community. If you know someone who might be interested in this process, please have them call Carol Jadach in the Parish Office for an initial conversation. We also ask you to keep these individuals in your prayers. The encouragement and prayer of the faith community is one of the greatest supports they can have!

If you are interested in being a sponsor...
Contact Joe Wilseck at the Parish Office, 586-268-2244.



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St. Blase   12151 E. Fifteen Mile Rd.   Sterling Heights, MI 48312   Phone: (586) 268-2244