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Rite
of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) - Faith Journey
Persons interested in learning more about the Catholic faith or becoming
Catholic are invited to the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).
RCIA is a process that involves the entire parish in welcoming inquirers
to the Catholic faith and initiating catechumens and candidates into
the believing community. By participating in the process as inquirers,
sponsors, pray-ers, catechists, or as a welcoming community, each of
us is invited to conversion - to live out the Gospel of Jesus as He
lived it. Meetings are held weekly, September through May.
Baptism
Parents are required to attend three pre-baptismal meetings in preparation
for their children's baptism. These meetings are held twice a year in
spring and fall. After baptismal preparation, Baptism may be scheduled.
Usually baptisms are celebrated during a Sunday liturgy or on Sunday
afternoon, but any other convenient time will be considered.
First
Eucharist
All second graders are eligible to become candidates for the celebration
of First Eucharist. Our program is family-oriented with both parents
and catechists sharing in the child's formal preparation. A series of
seven evening sessions is held for both parents and children. These
sessions include separate classes for parents and children, activities
parents and children can join in together, and a family prayer service.
Sessions are held in the evening at St. Paul's School. Babysitting for
other children in the family is provided. Parents are given the education
necessary to grow in their own faith and to share in their child's preparation.
The First Eucharist Mass is celebrated in the afternoon on the First
Saturday in May.
First
Reconciliation
This is a family-oriented program in which parents and catechists share
in the preparation of the children. Children are prepared prior to celebrating
First Eucharist and include second, third and fourth graders. Children
receive formal preparation in the respective religion classes. The opportunity
to celebrate the sacrament individually or as a family is then provided.
Confirmation
Confirmation preparation is offered to 8th and 9th grade and other high
school students who have not yet been Confirmed, on alternate years.
The preparation period is about one year. Classes for instruction and
opportunities for service contribute a major portion of the preparation.
Call the Youth Ministry office at 309-837-1024 for more information.
Marriage
Couples planning marriage in the Catholic Church must contact the pastor
at least six months before the intended marriage. Couples are required
to participate in the Diocesan marriage preparation programs. The first
step is to schedule an appointment with the priest who will direct the
couple in their marriage preparation and diocesan programs participation.
Ministry
to the Sick and Elderly
Catholic patients at McDonough District Hospital are visited regularly
by a representative from St. Paul's parish. The sick and elderly in
nursing homes and shut-ins at home are also visited. Holy Communion
is taken to them on a regular basis, if requested by the person or family.
A Communal Anointing of the Sick and Elderly at Mass is planned
at least once a year. One can also receive Anointing of the Sick prior
to surgery or during a hospital stay. For emergencies and serious danger,
please call the rectory at 309-833-2496.
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