Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults and Teens
A program for . . .
- Becoming Catholic or Inquiring about the Church
- Adults & Teens Seeking First Communion and/or Confirmation
- Returning To Or Refreshing Your Catholic Faith
The Rite of Christian Initiation is an ancient process of preparing adults for initiation into the Catholic Church through the reception of the sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation. This “rite” includes the taking of prescribed steps leading toward reception of the sacraments at the Easter Vigil, thus attaining full membership in the Catholic Church.
We provide a supportive team of parishioners to guide and/or instruct candidates in the rich traditions and teachings of the Catholic Church. Our hope is that candidates and catechumens grow in knowledge and faith in Jesus Christ and his Church and develop an authentic relationship with him.
The formal portion of the RCIA journey culminates with the reception of the Sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil but this is only the beginning. The journey continues through life, accompanied by the members of the Church, nourished by the sacraments and moving toward the heavenly Kingdom.
RCIA Adult Candidates participate in weekly classes and participate in special Rites during some Lenten Sunday Masses leading up to the Easter Vigil.
RCIA Education and Formation Classes for Adults:
Wednesdays – September – March/April, 7-9 pm at St. Rose Parish Center.
A suggested donation of $50. is requested to cover the cost of books and materials.
High school teens and older grade school students seeking to BECOME CATHOLIC or those who are missing First Communion and/or Confirmation will be assessed and placed in a level or special class to prepare for the Sacraments normally during regular religious education times. A minimum of two years is generally required before receiving a Sacrament of Initiation.
Those who have recently returned to the Church or wish to REVIEW or REFRESH their Catholic Faith are also welcome to attend the adult classes. Please let us know of your interest. We ask that such participants consider committing to the entire 6-7 month program in order to provide a stable and comfortable community base for those questioning and exploring the Catholic faith.
Volunteers, Friends or Sponsors who wish to support or mentor the candidates or catechumens are also welcome.
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- RCIA – Information and Details
- CURRENT RCIA Topics and Schedule [coming soon]
If you are interested in pursuing any of these Sacraments through our RCIA program, please contact Sister Donna D’Alia in the Parish Office at: 732-681-0512 x419 or srdonna@strosebelmar.com
Study of the Bible
Participants together decide upon each new study. Most often we have used the Bible Studies from Ascension Press (The Great Adventure Bible Series with Jeff Cavins), or those available on
FORMED.ORG (Lectio Series).
All studies include small group discussions based on the homework assigned, video-teaching or other personal input. In the current studies, personal access is available during the year for all videos presented. Participants generally purchase or contribute toward the designated Bible Study Workbook. Check the bulletin or contact the leaders for current offerings at each Bible Study.
Monday Evening Scripture Study
Meets Mondays– September to the Spring
6:45 p.m. in the Parish Center.
Leader: Brian 732-280-5658 or pambrian@optonline.net
Wednesday Morning Bible Study
Meets Wednesdays – September to May
Currently offers a choice of an in-person or online discussion group.
9:45 am to 11:30 pm in the Parish Center(in-person) or ONLINE (Zoom)
Leaders: Sister Donna D’Alia 732-681-0512 x419 srdonna@strosebelmar.com and Ginny Blasi – ginblasi@gmail.com
Videos, Movies, Online Teachings
ONLINE Subscriptions Free to Parishioners
FORMED.ORG – FORMED provides the very best Catholic content from more than 60 organizations to help parishes, families and individuals explore their faith anywhere. Supporting thousands of movies, children’s programs, ebooks, audio, parish programs and studies direct to your browser, mobile or connected device. Our parish has a paid subscription to Formed which gives FREE access to all parishioners. Sign up at https://strosebelmar.formed.org.
WORDONFIRE-Engage- Resources produced by Wordonfire ministries under the jurisdiction of Bishop Robert Barron such as The Catholicism Series and Pivotal players along with other professional videos and clips on the Treasures of the Catholic Church using Art, Music and Beauty. It is available to those on our Parish email list – FLOCKNOTES. Join Flocknotes and request the special link to gain access.
Parish Mission, Presentations, Guest Speakers
From time to time St. Rose sponsors a Parish Mission, speakers and special presentation. We will promote such offerings at Mass, through the bulletin and by our FLOCKNOTE emails.
Some Good Catholic Website & Media Choices
www.vatican.va – Vatican website for all things Catholic and ALL official Church documents, etc.
www.usccb.org – United States Catholic Conference of Bishops’ Website for Catholic documents and information especially those pertaining to the U.S. Catholics.
www.wordonfire.org Information about Catholicism, life questions, morality questions, movie, book reviews, brief commentaries about current topics from the Catholic perspective by Bishop Robert Barron and associates. Includes videos and more.
www.catholicanswers.com -Honest answers to questions about Catholic faith and beliefs. This is a media company dedicated to sharing what the Church really teaches; the world’s largest source for reliable information about the Catholic Church’s doctrine, tradition, and beliefs.
www.ewtn.com – Eternal World Television Network – A Media and Basic Catholic Website and media website.
www.catholicscomehome.org – for Catholics who have been away from the Church
www.foryourmarriage.org – tips, advice, support, information about Marriage as a Catholic
www.bustedhalo.com – lighthearted yet reliable Catholic information and content shared online and radio by the Paulists.