Becoming a Catholic... a journey of faith

A Welcome & Initiation into the Catholic Faith
Preparation for the Sacraments of: Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist

For those of us familiar with being a Catholic,
we know very well that our life is really about becoming a Catholic.

For people who express interest in joining the Catholic community, we are pleased to invite you to “Becoming a Catholic.” It is designed for people who have had some or no previous experience with the Church. At various meetings you will be given reading materials on the teachings and practices of the Catholic Church, including reflection on the Scriptures. The process is communal — with some story-telling.

Along the way...

• you will be part of a small community of fellow participants, guides and sponsors.
• you will be introduced to the essential beliefs, traditions and practices of the Catholic Church.
• you will be invited to join in the presentations, discussions and key issues that challenge the Church and society today.
• you will pray and reflect on the wisdom and mysteries found in the Old and New Testaments which ground the Catholic faith.
• you will be guided towards recognizing and developing your own life of prayer and spirituality.
• you will learn the rhythms of the liturgical, communal prayer of the Church.
• you will join the journey, a pilgrimage, which leads all of us to a closer love of neighbor, understanding of life's purpose, and love and appreciation for God's action in your daily life.

Important details...

• If you are interested, please sign up before the first meeting. We will begin at 12:10 p.m. in the Newman Center Student Lounge on Sunday, September 13, 2009. Thereafter, meetings will be bi-monthly on Sundays at 12:10 p.m. Refreshments will be provided by Newman community members.
  
• At the first meeting you will receive a complete calendar and a list of topics to be discussed.
  
• The celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation [Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist] takes place at the Easter Vigil, April 3, 2010 at 8:00 p.m.
  
• Pre-registration for the program must be made by contacting Fr. John Chandler, S.J. or Catharine Low.
  
• "Becoming a Catholic" is also for Catholics who have not yet made their First Communion.

TO REGISTER
Persons interested in this process are invited to complete an application form.

Fr. John and members of the Newman Community will warmly welcome you. During the weeks and months ahead there will be plenty of time for questions, sharing traditions, customs and practices. We will explore prayer, worship together and learn the teachings of the Catholic Church.

Please feel free to contact Fr. John or Catharine at your earliest convenience; it’s best to do so several weeks before the first meeting on September 13. Call 988-6222, or meet Fr. John anytime to set up an appointment.