JOINING THE PARISH

Initiation/Orientation programs are commonplace today. You find them in many institutional settings, e.g. schools, the work place, organizations, etc. Since the necessity of an initiation process for entering into a parish may be a novel idea for many people, we would like to explain the rationale for St. Mary’s program.

We are all very aware today that there are significant differences among Catholic parishes. It is more important than ever for parishes to incorporate new members in a way that will make them feel welcome and help them to appreciate the history, spirit and communal life of their new parish so that they can enter whole heartedly into the life and ministry of the parish.

Even membership in the Church today requires an initiation process. Prospective adult converts must enroll as candidates, attend monthly meetings with Church members and pass through ritual steps on the way to Baptism. This process is called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).

In similar fashion, we have developed a Process of Initiation into Parish Life, since we believe that entrance into the life of a parish is also a very important decision and event. It is our conviction that every new member and all parishes would benefit from such a program.

The two part series of Orientation Sessions, presented by various members of the parish, examines the following topics:

Session One – Our Spirit                                       

Session Two – Our Story, Ministries and the signing of the Covenant

The Orientation Sessions are held in the Fall, Winter and Spring. All sessions are at 8:00 p.m. and are usually held in the Spiritual Center, Madonna Hall.