If you have been thinking about becoming a full member of the Catholic Church, were never baptized, were baptized in another Christian tradition, or were baptized Catholic but never received First Eucharist and Confirmation, Becoming Catholic is for you. We invite you to begin your faith journey with us! If you are already a fully initiated Catholic and just want to update your faith, know that you are also welcome to join us. On the journey you will:
- get to know Jesus for the first time, or deepen your already existing relationship with Him
- gain a new awareness of God’s presence and action in your life
- learn about the Scriptures and the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church
- discern whether God is inviting you to join the Catholic Church
- grow in your relationship with the Catholic faith community
- prepare for reception of the Sacraments of Initiation.
No one is ever pressured to become Catholic, as that decision is between each person and God. We are available to guide and to help each person discern God’s call.
Inquirers are welcome any time throughout the year. The process begins with a one-on-one appointment during which an inquirer has a chance to ask questions and to learn more about the RCIA process and what it might look like for him/her.
To schedule an appointment contact Mary Von Koss at (248) 646-2686 Ext. 4013 or mary.vonkoss@stregis.org.
Parishioners Support Those Who Are Becoming Catholic
Becoming Catholic truly involves the whole community of faith. At Sunday Mass we ask for a blessing on all who are on that journey and dismiss them to reflect on God’s Word for that Sunday, just after the homily is finished. At various stages we have special celebrations or liturgical rites for them to mark a new moment in their journey. And, the full celebration of the three sacraments of initiation–Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist–always takes place within a Mass setting.
In addition, however, we need parish members to accompany each of the individuals on their own personal journey, to support them with conversation and sharing, to help with the reflection on Sunday’s Word.
Sponsors: Sponsors are parishioners who support the catechumens and candidates as they move through the RCIA process, attending Sunday Mass and participating in the formation sessions when possible. Sponsors must be fully initiated Catholics in good standing with the Church.
Serving as a sponsor is a spiritually nourishing experience. In the words of one sponsor, “The experience allowed me to listen intently to God through the words and emotions of the candidate I was sponsoring and to feel the presence of Jesus among the entire group. It reminded me that we are all children of God, no matter where we are in our journey of faith.”
RCIA Team Members: Team members rotate in facilitating reflection on the Sunday Scriptures, called Breaking Open the Word, with the inquirers, candidates and catechumens on Sunday mornings during Mass. Other team members may assist with hospitality during the evening formation sessions.
If you feel the Lord inviting you to serve as a sponsor or team member we would love to talk with you, contact Mary Von Koss at mary.vonkoss@stregis.org.
Adult Confirmation
Were you baptized in the Catholic Faith and made your First Communion but never celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation? We have a process in place for Adult Confirmation.