Parish Faith Formation Information

Generations of Faith-Intergenerational Faith Formation
It’s Different… It’s Exciting… It’s Faith Filled….It’s Fun…
It’s an invitation to learn more about your faith & your church. It’s for Everyone! Singles, Couples, Empty Nesters,
All Preschool and Parish Families, Grandmas & Grandpas, Teenagers, Aunts, Uncles, Retired People, Newcomers,
Young Adults, Young at Heart, & the curious from
our neighboring parishes.

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Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)

Not a Catholic?
Thinking about becoming a Catholic?
Would you like to know more about the Catholic Church?
Would you like to sponsor someone on their Journey to the Catholic Faith?
Consider the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults
(information form)

What is it?

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults RCIA is the result of the directive of Vatican Council II for the restoration of the ancient practice of initiation in the church. It is an ongoing communal process of spiritual and educational formation for adults who seek to become full members of the Roman Catholic Church through their conversion of mind and heart.
The RCIA is divided into four stages that respect the individual journey of faith.
· The Precatechumenate or period of inquiry and evangelization is the time when people ask questions about the Catholic Faith. In this period, they learn about the Scriptures, Salvation, Jesus and the kingdom message.
· The Period of the Catechumenate is the second period of the order of Christian Initiation of Adults which is a time of serious and dedicated formation meant to deepen a person’s faith/conversion within the community. During this time of study a person learns more about the sacraments, ritual and the life of the church.
· The period of Purification and Enlightenment corresponds to the beginning of Lent. This period lasts for forty days and is primarily a time of prayer and reflection. It is a time when the candidates are called a special name, “the Elect” and are encouraged to develop and increase their prayer life.
· The period of Mystagogy completes the initiation process. It begins after Easter Sunday and continues to Pentecost. It is the time following the Easter Vigil and the celebration of the Initiation Sacraments where the newly initiated are called Neophytes and are encouraged to reflect on their experience and their new life in the church.

Who is RCIA for?

The Rites of Christian Initiation for Adults is the process through which adults (and children/teens) become full members of the Catholic Faith. If you have never been baptized or, if you have been baptized in another Christian church and would like to consider you faith journey in the Catholic Church, you are invited to attend. There is absolutely no pressure to become a catholic. This is your time and your decision. If you were baptized as a Catholic but never received any formation or never received the remainder of the sacraments of initiation (i.e., Confirmation/and or Eucharist) this process is for you as well. You can begin the process now by filling out the form attached and returning it by e-mail or by dropping it off at the Goretti Education Center. You will be contacted by an RCIA team member. For more information contact Mary Fogelson at 480-948-8380 ext. 26 or at mfogelson@smgaz.org.

Adult Confirmation

For those adult Catholics who have not yet received the Sacrament of Confirmation this outreach program seeks to help adults explore the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit in the context of their current parish life.
There are many adults who are active parishioners and for whatever reason did not receive the sacrament of Confirmation in their earlier years. Our adult Confirmation program directs attention to these parishioners. Its purpose is to focus sufficient formation in a short period of time where these active parishioners may complete the sacraments of initiation. The formation process will be a blend of small group activities and formal presentations and usually begins in the fall semester. For information on Adult Confirmation contact Mary Fogelson at 480-948-8380 ext. 26 or at mfogelson@smgaz.org.

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Children's Faith Formation at St. Maria Goretti

For those families who have been away from the church or whose children are older than 7 and have not had any religious instruction, we have a program which lasts for two years. The parents attend with the children once a week during the school year on Tuesday evenings. This program is similar to the RCIA process. The whole family learns  together and shares with other   families in formation of faith. After approx. two years, all are received into full communion, with the sacraments of Baptism (if needed)  Confirmation and Eucharist. For those who have been baptized, the sacrament of Confession is included. This is a great way to come closer to God and the Catholic faith as a family. All can receive the sacraments together. Parents who have not been confirmed can receive along with their children. Download Children's Faith Formation information and family catechesis registration form.

2008 1st Reconciliation Handbook (download)

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Camp Trinity - VBS 2008
(click here to view pictures)