In the Empire

   As Christianity spread through the Roman Empire, being a Christian could be cause for execution.  The Christian communities therefore were suspicious of Roman spies among them; equally, they were aware of the pagans among them.  A long process of catechesis (teaching/instruction) was necessary to root out the former and aid catechumens (those being instructed) in becoming disciples of Jesus Christ. This catechesis in some parts of the empire could be three years!  At the end of this process, the catechumens would receive baptism, confirmation and access to the Eucharist, hence, joining the Christian community. 

   To be a Christian in the world has always been a challenge from the Lord Jesus, Who said to “take up your cross and follow me” (Matthew 16.24) and whoever commits to following Jesus but “looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.” (Luke 9.62).

In the Modern Era

     At the Second Vatican Council (1962 - 1965), the Council Fathers re-instituted a process for learning about and sharing the Catholic Faith with Catholics and non-Catholics. This is the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults.  Who is it for?

• Adults who are not baptized but sense God's call in their lives to become Christians
• Adults who were baptized in other Christian traditions and sense God's call to come home to the Catholic Church.
• Baptized Catholics who are coming back to the church or want to update their knowledge of the Catholic faith.   Click here to learn more about Catholicism.

     Those that persevere through the catechesis to the end will enter the Church at the Easter Vigil, Saturday April 8 at 7:00 PM.  Classes are held the first three Sundays of each month beginning Sunday, August 7, 2022 (6:00pm - 7:30pm).  We meet in St. Bernadette Hall, which is the last wing before the soccer field.  Please park in the back parking lot.