On Saturday, November 8, 2014, six adults took the first step in becoming a fully initiated Catholic Christian through the celebration of the combined Rites of Welcome and Acceptance.  They are now in what is called the "Period of the Catechumenate" of the RCIA process which means they seek to know Christ through the eyes of the Catholic Church and promise to be "apprentices of the faith."  Three come to the Church already having been baptized and three others are seeking baptism as well as the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.  Take a look at four of them share their experience of this celebration in the video embedded on this page.  Their witness of seeking Christ is a reminder to us all of the love that draws us to our God.  Let us continue to pray for these six as well as many others who remain in the RCIA process discerning God's call for them.  

About the Rites

Those who are not yet baptized celebrate the Rite of Acceptance.  The rite marks their first stirrings of knowing the Lord.  It also marks a promise on their side to work toward growing that initial relationship with the Lord.  On the side of the parish, it marks our promise to pray for them and help them grow that relationship and to become active members in the parish.

Those who have already celebrated their baptism celebrate the Rite of Welcome.  This marks their serious commitment to continue to study, pray, and experience the Christian faith in the Catholic Church.  On the side of the parish, it marks our promise to pray for them and help them grow their relationship with the Lord and be brought into the life of the parish.