The Church is the entrance to life; all others are thieves and robbers. On this account we are bound to avoid them . . . Resist them in defense of the only true and life giving faith, which the Church has received from the Apostles and imparted to her sons.” 

— St. Irenaeus, Against Heresies, Book III

     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 the newly baptized in conversion.  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).

     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 the Catholic Church.

     We ask that you fill out an RCIA registration form online, print it and email it to Dr. Joseph Johnson or drop it by the parish office.  Please also schedule an office visit with Dr. Johnson if you are interested in attending/ are attending the RCIA class.  

     Classes are normally held on the second and fourth Sunday of each month at 6:30pm and conclude around 8:00pm.  We meet in the parish office/classroom building behind the Church.  The first RCIA class will be on Sunday, September 9, 2018 and will be taught by Dr. Johnson and Deacon Glen Dudek.

• Office hours are typically Monday – Thursday 9:30am to 4:30pm. 
• On Friday, the office hours are 9:30am to noon.
• Office Phone: (864) 223-8410.
• Email: Dr. Johnson and/or Deacon Dudek

     If you have been baptized, please provide a copy of your baptism certificate by Christmas time.  If you have not been baptized or cannot locate your certificate, you will be baptized (or conditionally baptized) at the Easter Vigil April 20, 2019 at 7pm.