Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Class of 2007

This picture was taken at Easter Vigil Mass, April 7, 2007 while

Fr. Tony was confirming the RCIA members. Congratulations all!

The “RCIA” schedule of most US parishes follows a school year calendar, beginning in September and going to the end of April or May.  RCIA doesn't have graduation,  we are living our baptism daily by serving and living our faith.  We at St. Michael's start the 3rd Sunday of September (Catechetical Sunday) with our classes running until 3 or 4 weeks after Easter.  Classes are on Sunday mornings between the Masses, 9:15 - 10:15 a.m.   If you have any questions, please contact Deb Wiggins, the St. Michael's RCIA Coordinator at 616-837-8158. 

The RCIA program is taught by a Catechist.  The word catechesis comes from a Greek word that means, "to echo" or "hand down what has been received."  A catechist is someone who hands on the faith.  Being a catechist involves more than teaching religion, more than handing on the words and doctrine that define the Catholic faith.  A catechist also endeavors to spark that intangible gift of faith that, accompanied by hope and love, marks us as Christians.  Being a catechist involves 'heart' learning as well as 'head' learning. 

Our goal is to pass on the faith that was given to us by our parents at baptism.  At baptism we are blessed with the gifts of the spirit:  wisdom, understanding, right judgement, courage, knowledge, reverence and an awesome awareness of the wonder of God.  All of these gifts are available to us.  In addition, other gifts come with being a Christian Catholic - gifts meant to be shared:  the gift of faith, the gift of prayer and ritual, the gift of community and the gift of self.

When we gather for class, the topics we cover include:

• What Do Catholics Believe?
• The Bible
• History of the Church
• Rituals, Practices, Symbols and Prayers
• The Seven Sacraments
• The Six Precepts of the Church
• Christian Moral Living
• Social Justice
• The Consistent Life Ethic
• The Dignity of Life
• Family Life
• Our Special Gifts and Evangelization
• The Seasons of Advent and Lent