Faith Formation activities are held three times a month starting in September and ending in the spring. All ages are welcome! Interest in participating as a catechist or assistant for some or all meetings is welcome and encouraged. For more information, refer to the weekly email/bulletin, call the office, or contact Deacon Bubba Allen below.
Christian Initiation for Adults
Formerly known as RCIA, the OCIA, the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (people age 8 and older), is the process by which a person is prepared to live as a Catholic and fully received into the Church. A year-round cycle of initiation begins in late summer with a first interest meeting in late August or early September. Meetings are open to anyone who wants to learn more about the Catholic faith. All are welcome, from the curious to the lifelong Catholic.
In OCIA terms, unbaptized persons are called ‘inquirers’ until they declare an intention to prepare for the Sacraments of Initiation. They are called ‘catechumens’ after this declaration and accepted into the Order of Catechumens. The parish provides catechists and sponsors to guide the catechumens through the Rite of Election (held the first Sunday of Lent) where they are "chosen" (called ‘Elect’) by the bishop and called to prepare for the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist at the coming Easter Vigil.
Persons who wish to become Catholic who have already been baptized with water and using the words of the Trinitarian formula are not baptized again. Instead, preparation to be received into the Catholic Church will depend on the individual’s needs. Confirmation will be scheduled when the candidate is ready.
For more information, contact the Christian Initiation Team Coordinator, Paul Garrity or Deacon Bubba Allen. Parishioners who feel called to live their baptismal promise by journeying with a catechumen or candidate as a Sponsor are especially encouraged to attend meetings and join our discussions.
The Catholic Diocese of Richmond is committed to ensuring that diocesan institutions and ministries provide a safe and nurturing environment for children, young people, and vulnerable individuals. The mission of the Child Protection/Safe Environment Program is to create a safe environment consistently incorporating the standards as outlined in the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. In accordance with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishop’s Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People all diocesan employees, clergy, religious, teachers, staff, and all volunteers who regularly or routinely work with children or youth participate in a Protecting God’s Children for Adults training session.
For more information about training sessions, contact Megan Malhiot.
VIRTUS provides online accounts to keep track of your training records and access to monthly training bulletins.