BECOMING CATHOLIC
Bishop Raica received Candidates for Confirmation
in the Rite of Welcoming at Prince of Peace, Spring 2021.
Spring Program: January 9-April 10, 2022
Becoming Catholic is a Prince of Peace adult formation program which leads to initiation into the Catholic Church. We warmly welcome those who already feel called to become Catholic, and those who are interested in learning more about the Catholic faith but who have not decided whether to join the Catholic Church.
It is also an opportunity for confirmed Catholics–or anyone–to learn more about the Catholic faith. Participants, during the formation period, read and view materials we provide, spend time in prayer and reflection, and journal weekly. On Sunday mornings, 9:30-10:45 AM, we meet to discuss assignments, have conversations, pose questions, and share information about the faith. The program is 14 weeks long, typically includes 10-12 in-person meetings, and is offered twice each year, September-December and January-April. Those with little or no prior Christian affiliation and/or education continue their formation beyond the 14-week period through a customized program of self-study.
Anyone interested in the program should read the details below. If you have questions, contact program coordinator Dr. Dale Wisely. You can view our brochure here.
Those who are ready to enroll may do so online at this link.
“Becoming Catholic” is a blended study program. Participants, on their own time, read and view materials we create and provide. This includes a book that presents the fundamentals of Catholicism (Fr. Oscar Lukefahr’s We Believe: A Survey of the Catholic Faith). Participants, during each week, spend time in prayer and reflection, and journal weekly, sending their entries to our team. Journal entries are typically 150-300 words.
On Sundays, 9:30-10:45 AM, participants meet with our team. These live meetings allow us to teach and learn, discuss assignments, have conversations, and pose questions.
REGISTERING AND PARTICIPATING
Interested persons, or those with questions, should email the program coordinator Dr. Dale Wisely. For those ready to register, the online registration form may be found here.
Once you are registered, a team member will get in touch with you. When appropriate, the formation team will offer some customization of the program, based upon your history of involvement in Christian worship.
Requirements for Candidates and Catechumens
- All participants must commit to attending Sunday morning meetings and to take responsibility for study, prayer, and reflection, and sending the team weekly journal entries, on their own time, each week of the program. Our team is aware that some individuals have difficulties reading, studying, and writing due to learning differences. We are committed to working with such individuals so that they may complete the program. If these difficulties exist for anyone enrolling in the program, please contact coordinator Dr. Dale Wisely to confidentially discuss and develop an alternate method of participating.
- Participate in parish life at Prince of Peace. Mass attendance is essential and those who are not already attending Mass should begin once enrolled in the program (in advance of starting the program.) Members of our team would be happy to meet with you at Mass and sit with you if you would like. We want you to feel welcome!
- Complete a 14-week formation period. Requirements include, but are not limited to
○ completing weekly assignments (reading, videos, online materials)
○ writing a weekly journal entry as evidence of engagement (we provide alternatives for candidates who struggle to write.)
○ spending time weekly in prayer and reflection
○ attending Sunday morning meetings. (When class meetings are missed, we can typically arrange a make-up.)
- Request, in writing, their desire to receive the Sacraments of Initiation
Specific Requirements for Catechumens (those who are not baptized and/or those with little or no history of religious education or worship involvement) continue an additional period of formation after completing the 14-week program requirements as above.
- Meet with a spiritual mentor (team member or other, as approved)
- Be involved in parish life, with a focus on involvement in service
- Complete a customized plan of additional study and formation
Topics in our 14-week series
- Introduction, Orientation, the Creed
- Scripture and Teaching Tradition
- Sacraments
- Catholic Morality and Contemporary Issues in Catholicism
- Participation in Parish Life
- Catholic Traditions (Mary, Prayer traditions)
- Preparing for the Sacraments of Initiation
Those who are ready to enroll may do so online at this link.
2021-2022 Schedule
Spring Program: January 9-April 10, 2022
Topics tentative
January 9-Introduction, Orientation, the Creed (Dale Wisely)
no meeting on January 16
January 23-Faith Stories (Panel)
January 30-Scripture & Tradition (Dale Wisely)
February 6-Sacraments I: Baptism, Confirmation (Megan Everett)
February 13-Sacraments II: Matrimony, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders (Father Dunmyer)
February 20-Sacraments III: Eucharist & Liturgy (Father Chalmers)
February 27-Catholic Morality (Dale Wisely)
March 6-Contemporary Issues in the Catholic Church (Dale Wisely)
March 13-Prayer, Traditions (Deacon Rick DiGeorgio)
March 20-How to Participate in Parish Life (Jill Spero)
no meeting March 27
April 3: Mini-retreat, tentative time: 12:30-3:30
Confirmation TBA