We believe that God calls us to live the Good News proclaimed by Jesus and to become his disciples as members of the Catholic Church. If you are interested in learning more about the Catholic faith or to become Catholic, you’ll participate in a process called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). Adults or children who have reached the age of reason (about 7 years old) learn about the teachings of Jesus as the Catholic Church has handed them on and put these teachings into practice by living as part of the Catholic community, serving others, discussing, praying and studying.
There are many resources available to you, and by listening to Holy Family Radio, many questions may already be answered. Here are a few places you can look for more information:
- Diocesan websites have information on the local church in your area, programs to foster a deeper relationship with God, and other resources, including the RCIA process. The Diocesan websites for this area include: Diocese of Grand Rapids and Diocese of Kalamazoo.
- US Council of Catholic Bishops website has a wealth of information with a focus on issues here in the United States. National events, news and issues with a Catholic focus to help and inspire us to follow Jesus. Visit their website – USCCB.org
- The Vatican website has a great many historical documents, photos and links to numerous resources at the disposal. Online bible, catechism and a compendium of the social doctrine of the Church, to name just a few. Visit: Vatican.va
- Catholic Information Center in your area. Within each diocese, there’s at least one resource for getting Catholic materials and instruction on the faith. Events, seminars and additional resources to deepen your understanding of the faith and an improved prayer life. For Grand Rapids area, visit – CatholicInformationCenter.org or in Kalamazoo visit – Newman’s Bookshoppe.
The RCIA process can begin at any time, but usually, classes and formal instruction begin in the fall for the upcoming initiation at the Easter vigil Mass. Contact your local parish or diocese for information on these classes.