RCIA:  The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

Welcome!  “Come and you will see” (John 1:39)
Are you interested in becoming Catholic?  Is someone you know interested in becoming Catholic?  Are you an adult Catholic who has never been confirmed or received the Eucharist?  Do you just want to learn more about the Catholic faith?  If this is the right time for you to take the next step on your faith journey, or if you want to talk to someone about the Catholic faith. This year we have included a new feature - "THE SEARCH" in our program. (See Details Below)

If you are searching for a way to meet your spiritual needs and identify with a community of faith, you are in the right place.  The RCIA program not only assists those who are seeking to know more about the Catholic Church but provides them with support and partners on this faith journey.

The RCIA is a process through which adults, baptized and unbaptized, learn more about the liturgical life and teachings of the Church. RCIA begins annually in September.  This year, our RCIA program will offer both a small-group setting and/or a large group to learn more about the Catholic faith and possibly prepare to receive the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Holy Communion, and Confirmation) come into full communion with the Catholic Church at Easter Vigil.  

Weekly sessions will be facilitated by one of the co-directors, two presenting team members.  Each session is considered a “sacred space” and we assure that anything discussed or shared is done so in a confidential atmosphere.  Our RCIA program follows a “school calendar.”  It begins on September 8, 2021, and ends on April 27, 2022.  The program consists of four periods: Inquiry or Precatechumenate, Catechumenate, Purification and Enlightenment (Lenten season), and Mystagogy (post-baptismal/post-Easter). If you are interested in deepening your faith in the Catholic Church, please contact Charles Richard at richard@ st-charles-borromeo.org - Mrs. Cathy Taylor at tandemtaylor@yahoo.com - or Mrs. Vicki Fruge at vickibfruge@gmail.com. 
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The Search is an innovative video-based journey that tackles the key questions of every human heart. In seven beautifully filmed episodes, Chris Stefanick and experts from the fields of science, medicine, psychology, art, and religion examine our place in the larger story of existence. Please watch the trailer below. Sessions begin on Wednesday, September 8 at 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM (6 Sessions in all.) Come join us in our spiritual growth!!!!  

BIBLE STUDY 

The Adult Bible Study group began meeting on Wednesday, August 25, 2021, from 10:00 – 11:30 am through November 3, 2021. The meetings are held in the St. Charles Religious Education Building between the Thensted Center and Grand Coteau Elementary School. This space is large enough, that all seating is spaced by 6 feet. All participants are required to wear facial covering for the protection of all.

We are exploring the second Pillar of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Sacraments. We are learning about the power and purpose of the sacraments, while also discovering how these fonts of inexhaustible grace can transform your life, providing strength, healing, and hope. We will also finish our study of Matthew.

If you are you are interested in attending future classes, please call, text, or email Paula Andrus – 337 296 4019 or paula.andrus@hotmail.com. Registration for this class closed on July 31, 2021.

Wanting to grow in your faith?

Franciscan Institute at Home

The Diocese of Lafayette has partnered with Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio to give everyone in the diocese access to workshops that can help in their religious formation. Although some of the workshops are geared towards teachers and catechists, many simply give information on topics that many of us want to know more about (i.e. the Eucharist, Mary, New Testament, Old Testament). Visit www.franciscanathome.com/diolaf (see link on the sidebar) to begin to create your account. The office of Catechetics has a short 3-minute video on their webpage www.diolaf.org/christian-formation that will direct you on how to create your personal account. St. Charles Parish has already been placed in the system, so simply create your personal account after selecting our Parish. We believe this is a wonderful opportunity for us to grow in our faith. 

Ignatian Spirituality

St. Ignatius of Loyola established the Spiritual Exercises to grow in union with God and to discern God’s will. Through a daily practice of meditation, prayer, and contemplation, practitioners report having found peace and meaning in their lives and relationships with God and others. They have greater confidence in their life decisions. The Spiritual Exercises are the key spiritual ingredient that helps them center themselves more fully toward Jesus.

To learn more, please see below links to the Jesuit Spirituality Center and Our Lady of the Oaks Retreat House located in Grand Coteau.