Breaking Open the Word Rite of Welcome Rites of Sending & Election Sacraments of Initiation Sponsors' Ministry A Prayer for Sponsors Rite of Christian Initiation for Children

RCIA - Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults Come to me, all you who are weary and find life burdensome, and I will refresh you.  Take my yoke upon your shoulders and learn from me,  for I am gentle and humble of heart. Your souls will find rest, for my yoke is easy and my burden light.                                                                         --Matthew 11:28-30 A Journey of Conversion--in Mind, Heart and Spirit. The RCIA is the first step on a lifelong journey of intellectual, emotional and spiritual conversion. The Rite is a journey of faith that brings us to those Sacraments (God's gifted, grace-filled signs) that free us to live a life of love, faith and justice through our Lord Jesus Christ. Like all journeys, the RCIA has a beginning, a path and a destination. It is a sojourn through awakening, growth and formation marked by celebrations involving the whole St. John LaLande community. Participants receive Christ in the Word and from the support of the community as "food for the journey" toward the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharistic table. Are YOU ready for the Journey? Do you recognize a need for spirituality in your life, though you may not be baptized?  Are you baptized Catholic or baptized into another religion but never received formal religious education? Are you married to a Catholic and attend Mass but just don't know what the next step is to become one of the Catholic faithful? Are you simply interested in learning more about the Roman Catholic Church? Do you yearn for something more in your life? The RCIA also relies upon the support of the larger St. John LaLande community in welcoming, instructing, helping and praying with and for Inquirers and serves as a focus for ongoing conversion for all members of the Catholic Church. As Catholics see new candidates learning the doctrine, they are encouraged to study their faith. As we participate in the liturgical ceremonies welcoming new members, we can renew our own commitment to Christ. As we see the newly baptized begin ministries of service, we are encouraged to serve more generously. Those who act as sponsors, teachers, and "prayer partners" for the Inquirers are blessed in their own personal growth. Please contact the Parish Office at 229.3378 to begin your journey.