Something remarkable happened here last year. After a hiatus of several years we revived our RCIA team, and last year we had four Baptisms and one reception into the Catholic Church. That group met every Tuesday night last year, and a core group has continued over the summer. So, we have a team in place to greet newcomers.
If you know of someone who would like to be Baptized, or who is already Baptized and considering becoming Catholic, our first session is on Tuesday night September 20th 7pm in the Resource Room of the religious education offices. That night will be an introduction to the process as well as a chance for last year’s group to chart the course for the weeks ahead. We may even end up with two tracts.
The RCIA is small but powerful. It consists of Deacon Dean, Peach Kraft, Alex Sgoutas, and myself. We are always looking for new members and anyone interested in either joining the team or becoming a candidate should contact Fr. David.
As we look ahead, remember the Parish Festival. It is always on a Sunday close to our Patronal feast of St Jerome. This year the festival is on the 25th. The food will be spectacular and the committee, headed by Dan and Florence Loch, will provide a fun day. This gathering is one of the few times that people who attend different Masses get to see who else is in the parish. So, sign up to help, buy a ticket, and come and build community.
Next month we will begin our yearly Bible study. This year’s program will be on the psalms. It will feature video’s by Sister Diane Bergant, C.S.A. who is a past president of the Catholic Biblical Society. Last year we used her study on Genesis, and it was very well received. The psalms are the prayer book of the Church. They contain a psalm for almost any situation you might face in life. There are psalms of wonder, psalms of contrition, psalms for times of persecution, as well as ones for praise and thanksgiving. Watch for the flyers, and come to learn and pray.
Finally, on Tuesday September 27th, we will have training for those who will lead house meetings in October and early November. So far six families have signed up to host the house meetings and we are looking for more host families. A sign-up sheet is in the hallway.
