BECOMING CATHOLIC MEANS MEETING JESUS WHO COMES TO OFFER US ABUNDANT LIFE!

"A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy; I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly!" -John 10:10

 
Thank you for your desire and willingness to learn more about the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church is the same Church Jesus founded 2000 years ago to be the instrument of salvation to all people. We welcome you to discover God’s plan of love and mercy offered to each and every one of us through the Church which He Himeself founded.

Whether you simply want to explore the Catholic faith or are interested in becoming Catholic, we welcome you wherever you are in your journey, and however it is that you come to us. Strengthened by the Sacraments, the Word of God, and the ministry of the Apostles' successors (the bishops), we strive to put the free gift of mercy and grace we have received from Jesus Christ into practice in our lives.
 
For each of us, the path to accepting new life in Christ has been unique. The reality, however, is that it does not matter what you have done or how far away from God you might think you are. Christ invites you and desires to welcome you into His Church with open arms! Jesus' forgiveness is complete and His mercy lasts forever. As Pope Francis reminds us: "The Lord never tires in offering us His forgiveness. It is we who tire in going to Him and asking for it."
 
Christ invites each of us to a deeper relationship with both Him and His Church. This journey of discipleship begins at Baptism and continues throughout our lives. Becoming Catholic and living as a disciple in communion with the Catholic Church is not simply like joining a club or being an active member of a civic organization. Rather, it is an experience of sharing the very supernatural life of God in the midst of the human family. United with Christ by our participation in the sacraments, we give witness to the merciful love of the Father through lives characterized by self-sacrifice and fruitfulness in the power of the Holy Spirit.
 
The Catholic Church recognizes the importance of this invitation from Jesus into the abundant life which choosing to follow Him offers! At St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Parish, those who wish to inquire about joining the Catholic Church can contact Luke Doyle, and are most welcome to join us for RCIA classes. These classes meet weekly from early September through Easter.
 
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA for short) --is a series of meetings that include study, prayer and discussion that culminates in the reception of the Sacraments of Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation at the Easter Vigil Mass for those who are unbaptized. Baptized Christians (including Catholics who have not received all of their Sacraments of Initiation) will receive First Holy Communion and Confirmation, and make a Profession of Faith at the Easter Vigil.