Before all else, the Gospel invites us to respond to the God of love who saves us, to see God in others and to go forth from ourselves to seek the good of others.
~ Pope Francis, Joy of the Gospel
~ Pope Francis, Joy of the Gospel
What is the RCIA?
The Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA) is a gradual process of conversion and initiation into the Catholic Christian community providing individuals the space to encounter God and respond to His invitation to a new way of life in the Catholic faith. Grounded in a respect for the personal faith journey of each individual, the RCIA provides an extended period of prayer, study, and fellowship in which each individual has the opportunity to grow in relationship with God and the parish community.
Who is the RCIA for?
In the RCIA individuals reflect and learn about what is means to be a part of the Catholic Christian community – who we are, what we believe, how we celebrate and pray, how we relate with one another and with God. Based on the gradual transformation of each individual, the RCIA accompanies and celebrates the journey to faith of each individual.
The process begins with a period of inquiry for those who have felt called to consider the Catholic faith. Here you will find an open space to ask questions about what Catholics hold and believe while meeting others striving to live Gospel values. Know that initial inquiry does not necessarily commit you to initiation.
Where can I find out more information? Contact our parish office for more information.
The Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA) is a gradual process of conversion and initiation into the Catholic Christian community providing individuals the space to encounter God and respond to His invitation to a new way of life in the Catholic faith. Grounded in a respect for the personal faith journey of each individual, the RCIA provides an extended period of prayer, study, and fellowship in which each individual has the opportunity to grow in relationship with God and the parish community.
Who is the RCIA for?
- Persons who have never been baptized and wish to receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist (Holy Communion) in the Catholic Church.
- Persons who were baptized in another Christian denomination and wish to be received into full communion with the Catholic Church by receiving the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.
- Baptized Catholics who have not completed their initiation; by receiving the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.
In the RCIA individuals reflect and learn about what is means to be a part of the Catholic Christian community – who we are, what we believe, how we celebrate and pray, how we relate with one another and with God. Based on the gradual transformation of each individual, the RCIA accompanies and celebrates the journey to faith of each individual.
The process begins with a period of inquiry for those who have felt called to consider the Catholic faith. Here you will find an open space to ask questions about what Catholics hold and believe while meeting others striving to live Gospel values. Know that initial inquiry does not necessarily commit you to initiation.
Where can I find out more information? Contact our parish office for more information.
St. Andrew the Apostle |
Catholic Saints All of the saints had a story before they met Christ. For St. Andrew, he was a fisherman. Hearing the call of Christ, Andrew and his brother Peter left everything behind to follow Jesus. Join Dr. Ben Akers and Mary McGeehan as they discuss St. Andrew, his life, and the example he provides to all Christians. |
Abraham:
Father of Faith & Works He left his home, the bones of his ancestors, and the false gods of his fathers to follow the God of glory. Excruciating trials, weary miles of desert travel, and even the command to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice did not deter him. Mount your camels and ride back in time to discover Abraham, the only man called the "Friend of God." |
The Perpetual Virgin
Lectio: Mary
Episode 5 Why do Catholics believe that Mary remained a virgin her whole life? Dr. Brant Pitre unpacks this much debated topic in this engaging presentation.
A robust spiritual life indicates a strong relationship with God because, without Christ, we can do nothing. We should desire to have a strong spiritual life and encourage others to grow in their own spiritual lives.
Formed has an array of resources for parish leaders. These resources will jump-start the spiritual life of you and your parishioners so that they may abide more abundantly in the life of Christ.
Formed has an array of resources for parish leaders. These resources will jump-start the spiritual life of you and your parishioners so that they may abide more abundantly in the life of Christ.
Challenges of Living the Catholic Faith
In the world we live in, it is difficult to live out our identity as Catholics. Living the Catholic life out as a teen, living it out in relationship, living it out in discerning a career or a vocation, and living it out in marriage is bound to cause questions.
See the resources and suggestions below for how to have these conversations and encounter these difficult topics.
Resources for Addressing Difficult Topics
See the resources and suggestions below for how to have these conversations and encounter these difficult topics.
Resources for Addressing Difficult Topics
Awakening
A Crossroads in Time Book by Claudia McAdamIn
this work of Biblical historical fiction, Ronni is a 21st-century American teenage girl who has lost her faith following the deaths of her father and brother, both of whom died saving the life of someone she doesn’t deem worthy. She can’t understand the concept of sacrifice—even Jesus’s death on the cross. Then one day, she wakes up 5,000 miles away from home...2,000 years in the past. How she got here, she doesn’t know. But she’s in Jerusalem, the week of the crucifixion of Jesus. She has three days to try to stop his death. The question is, can she do it? Should she? This young adult novel is appropriate for readers from middle-school through adult.
Age Range: 8 and up
FORMED Daily Reflections
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Start your day off right. Be inspired and renewed each morning with a short video from Dr. Tim Gray.
Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church 2401 East Lake Avenue, Watsonville, CA 95076 Parish office Phone: 831-722-2665 / Fax: 831-722-8305 Email: [email protected] / web: www.olhcchurch.org Offie will be closed on Nov 27, 28 & 29, 2024 Thanksgiving Break Office Hours / Horas de Oficina Monday-Friday / Lunes-Viernes 9:00am to 12:30pm 1:30pm to 5:00pm |