IS GOD CALLING YOU TO THE CATHOLIC CHURCH?
Have you thought about becoming Catholic?! Maybe you're someone who has attended Mass for years? Maybe you have heard a teaching or have witnessed the praying of the rosary, seen a crucifix, or have heard about the Saints and are curious what these things mean? Do you have a desire to receive the Eucharist or Holy Communion which draws you to consider becoming Catholic?!  If so, you are in the right place!!

Above you will notice the title RCIA, which means Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. Since the earliest days of Christianity, there has always been a varied process for initiation to the Church. 

GOD'S GOODNESS:
This beautiful paragraph from the Catechism of the Catholic Church states that, "God, infinitely perfect and blessed in himself, in a plan of sheer goodness freely created man to make him share in his own blessed life. For this reason, at every time and in every place, God draws close to man. He calls man to seek him, to know him, to love him with all his strength. He calls together all men, scattered and divided by sin, into the unity of his family, the Church. To accomplish this, when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son as Redeemer and Savior. In his Son and through him, he invites men to become, in the Holy Spirit, his adopted children and thus heirs of his blessed life."

Notice that God reaches out to each of us first, calling us to seek and know him, giving us the freedom to choose and follow him. When we think about God, it is the Lord prompting our thoughts. When we have a desire or thought to pray, it's the Lord drawing us to prayer. Apart from him, we can do nothing (Jn 15:5). If God is the source of all creation, and we come from God who is all good, then it follows that the fullness of our happiness is drawing ourselves close and uniting ourselves to Him. 

REGISTRATION FORM:
Please print and fill out the registration form below and bring it to Brandon at the office. You can also email the form to [email protected]

**DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1ST.

RCIA CLASS INFO:
When: Class begins September 12th.
Where: In the Social Hall at Saint Joseph.
Day: Scheduled Wednesdays (see document below).
Time: 6:00pm to 7:30pm

RCIA EXPECTATIONS:
1. ATTEND CLASS: If you miss more than 3, you will have to make-up class.
2. ATTEND RETREATS: Fall & Spring (refer to schedule).
3. MOST IMPORTANT: GO TO MASS!! Even though you are not Catholic yet. You must form the habit of going to Mass every Sunday. The Mass is the greatest prayer of God!
4. ATTEND THE EASTER VIGIL: This is the day that you become initiated into the Church. Our Pastor, FATHER GUS emphasizes that you must be available to attend the Easter Vigil: Saturday, March 30th. 
5. PRAYER: Form a prayer life. 
6. GODPARENT/SPONSOR: Each catechumen or candidate must choose a godparent or sponsor. Two sponsors may be selected but only one is recorded in the sacramental record. Godparents & Sponsors are invited to attend the last class of each month.
**Sponsors must be in good standing with the Church; at least 16 years of age; and have received the sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation; they cannot be the candidate's parents; must be actively involved in the process; a good model for the living of the life of a faithful Catholic who is continually nourishing his/her own faith through active participation.
7. BIRTH CERTIFICATE: Please bring your birth certificate to the parish during class or to the office so that we can make a copy.
8. SACRAMENTAL RECORD: If you have been baptized (catholic or non-catholic) please provide a copy of your sacramental record. For baptized Catholics: If you have received your First Communion, please provide this sacramental record as well.

STAGES OF RCIA:
1. INQUIRY PERIOD
2. RITE OF ACCEPTANCE
3. CATECHUMENATE
4. RITE OF SENDING
5. RITE OF ELECT
6. INITIATION

DON'T BE AFRAID!!
My faith journey has gone through many hills and valleys. I can say for myself, that I am most happy in life, when I am following Jesus Christ! As it says many times throughout the scriptures, "Don't be afraid."

If you feel called to become Catholic, or you just want to inquire about the Catholic Faith and what the process looks like, please contact me. 

In Christ Through Mary,

Brandon Allen 
Director of Faith Formation & Discipleship
Saint Joseph, Colorado Springs

719-632-9903 or  [email protected]