/files/Adult Faith Formation/rcia/images/RCIA.jpgWelcome to St. Joseph Parish!  If you are thinking about becoming Catholic, you're on the correct page.  Here you can find out basic information about the RCIA process, who to contact and frequently asked questions.

If you were baptized Catholic as an infant, received your first Holy Communion and are 19 years or older, but never received the Sacrament of Confirmation, there is a special process for you.  Parishes in the area come together to prepare adults for the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation during the months of February-May each year.  You will need a copy of your baptismal certificate that has been issued within the last 6 months.  For more information on Adult Confirmation, contact Catherine Sims at 847-990-1238 or csims@stjoseph-libertvyille.org.  

  

Welcome to the RCIA webpage!

Ever wonder what ‘RCIA’ stands for?  Those initials have a special meaning; Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.  

Here at St. Joseph’s we have a process that enables people to explore a relationship with Jesus Christ and with the Catholic faith.  This process introduces them to Jesus and our Catholic teachings about God, who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We also explore the Catholic understanding of the Bible and become more familiar with Scripture, the Church, Sacraments, and Prayer.  We travel through all phases of our Catholic beliefs, traditions, rituals and practices during the RCIA process.  Each person who, after a period of inquiry, chooses to become Catholic, makes his or her faith journey with a sponsor, who is someone from the Parish.  The sponsor has the opportunity to deepen their own faith life as they share experiences during this journey with the candidate.  Sponsors don’t have ‘the answers’ but instead have a living faith which they share with the people in this process.  

The RCIA journey begins with a “Come and See” and usually ends with the Easter Vigil, where the Catechumens are fully initiated in Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.  Our Candidates profess faith in the Catholic Church, are confirmed and receive Eucharist as full members of the Catholic Faith.  

ARE YOU SOMEONE - OR DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO....

Has expressed an interest in being baptized?

Has expressed an interest in becoming Catholic?

Was baptized Catholic as a child but never received First Communion or Confirmation?

Our sessions for those who are interested in learning more about the RCIA process, have questions about the Catholic Faith, or are simply curious to know more will be held on:

Sunday, August 21, 10:30-11:30 am in the Parish Office and Ministry Center (located on Maple Ave between the Church and the School).

Mondays, August 22 & 29, 7-8 pm in the Formation Center (located in the strip mall on Milwaukee and 176 - enter through the door off the parking lot).

Whether you would like to become Catholic or you know of someone who would like more information about the Catholic faith, call Catherine Sims at 847-990-1238 or email her at csims@stjoseph-libertyville.org with any questions you may have.   You can also fill out the general information form and someone will contact you.

 

/files/Adult Faith Formation/rcia/Photographs/RCIA 2011 024.jpg

Parishioners can sign up to help with one or two Sunday mornings or Monday evening sessions during the year as a host, caring for the environment and set-up of our meeting space.

Become a monthly supporter of the process by your presence, participating in one session a month and caring for the environment and set-up of our meeting space, or providing hospitality for the session.

  • If you don't have time for more meetings....what about being an off-site program manager who helps the team manage the communication, calendar and presenters through e-mail and phone calls?
  • Become a team member who particpates on a regular basis with the Sunday and/or Monday sessions in a supportive role and possibly a teaching role.
  • Become a sponsor for a person who is making this journey.  You accompnay them to the sessions, help them to incorporate into parish life, support them with your presence and prayers.  You are NOT on to answer all their questions - the team helps with that. [see the link below for the sponsor flyer]
  • Do you have a charism for teaching?  Do you also enjoy learning?  How about teaching in this process?  We have topics like Scripture, LIturgy, Creed, Sacraments, Social Justice, Mass, Devotions, Vocations, Lay Ministry and more.

 If you are interested in becoming part of this team, contact Catherine Sims at 847-990-1238 or csims@stjoseph-libertyville.org