Becoming Catholic
in a Welcoming Environment
At Prince of Peace, our motto is “All Are Welcome.” It is our prayer that everyone who comes to our faith community for any reason, will truly feel welcome.
We also want to do our part to welcome people who feel called into full communion with the Catholic Church. With joy and gratitude, we offer a program for those who wish to learn more about the Catholic faith and then, if called, become Catholic. We call our program “Becoming Catholic.” It is our version of what is often referred to as RCIA, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. This program is also open to Catholics who want to learn more about their faith.
Partly because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have developed a blended study program. Participants (on their own time and at home) view online material and videos and read and journal each week of the program. On Sundays, we hold live meetings online on Zoom, and when we can safely gather again, we will meet in-person. These live meetings allow us to discuss the week’s assignments and answer any questions that that may come up.
Here is the process to join an In Full Communion program. The program is typically offered three times a year.
- Screening interview (with Becoming Catholic team members, either live or on Zoom)
We have a conversation with those who are interested in the program to share information and assess the individual’s needs. Our goal is to offer some customization of the program, based on the individual’s history of involvement in Christian worship. All participants must complete the core content of the program. Those who have little or no involvement in Christian worship and who have not been baptized, will be required to engage in additional study on the fundamentals of Christianity. (Note: The Catholic Church accepts Baptism by other Christian denominations.)
- Schedule for next Becoming Catholic series
- Sundays: January 10, 24, 31; Feb 7, 14, 21, 28; March 7, 14, 21; with Sacraments on April 3, Easter Vigil.
- Schedule for current Becoming Catholic series
The topics may be rearranged based on the availability of guest speakers and other factors.
|
Date |
Topic |
Participants will have reading/viewing assignments each week. Then, we meet for discussion on Zoom on Sunday - 9:30-10:30 am |
|
Sept. 6-13 |
Introduction, orientation, sharing of a faith story. Images of God. The Creed. |
Sunday, Sept. 13 9:30-10:30 am. |
|
Sept. 14-20 |
Scripture, Teaching Tradition
|
Sunday, Sept. 20 9:30-10:30 am |
|
Sept. 21-27 |
Sacraments: Matrimony, Confirmation, Baptism, Reconciliation, Anointing |
Sept. 27 (as above) |
|
Sept. 28-Oct. 4 |
Sacraments (continued) |
Oct. 4 |
|
Oct. 5-11 |
The Eucharist and Mass |
Oct. 11 |
|
Oct. 12-18 |
Catholic Morality |
Oct. 18 |
|
Oct. 19-25 |
Contemporary Issues & Controversies |
Oct. 25 |
|
Oct. 26-Nov. 1 |
How to “DO” Church: Participating in Parish Life |
Nov. 1 |
|
Nov. 2-8 |
Catholic Traditions (distinctive aspects of Catholicism) |
Nov. 8 |
|
Nov. 15 |
Sacraments received for those who complete the program. |
Sunday, Nov. 15, time to be announced. |
- Journaling/Evidence of Engagement
As part of our Becoming Catholic program, we ask participants to write a weekly journal entry. The goal of this assignment is to encourage our participants to be actively engaged in the education process and not simply be passive recipients of our provided materials. (We provide a comprehensive instruction guide covering how to journal, which includes sample journal entries.)
Our program presumes that participants possess the ability to independently read, study and write. If any participants have difficulty with any of these skills (which are necessary to successful complete the program), they should let us know so that we can make accommodations.
- How to Start
Begin by registering online here. A member of the Prince of Peace Becoming Catholic team will contact you. If you have any questions, please contact Megan Everett, director of formation.