From September through the Easter season, those adults preparing for Christian Initiation are guided through a real appreciation of the unity we share as one body affirming our most treasured possession – our Faith as expressed each Sunday at Eucharist (the Mass). For more information on this wonderful program, please contact Fr. Vincent DeLucia, OP., or Mr. Joseph Brown by leaving a message with the parish secretary.
The RCIA has several stages that begin with a period of inquiry and basic instruction and proceeds through the catechumenate (period of formation and more developed instruction) that lasts for about a year. Baptized persons from other Christian Churches, and those who have never been Baptized and who are interested in becoming members of the Catholic Church are welcomed and prepared by members of St. Joseph Pastoral staff. Parishioners who are team-members in the parish RCIA process also participate in the various steps leading to the Easter Vigil and Mystagogy (the follow-up instruction and sharing during the 50 days after Easter).
All are welcome!
On the first Sunday of Lent all participants gather for the special Rite of Election with our Archbishop, Timothy Dolan, in St. Patrick's Cathedral. Several rites during Lent gradually lead to the reception of the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist) during the Easter Vigil.
The fifty days from Easter to Pentecost are a period during which the participants gather in the Rectory and enjoy greater familiarity with the life of the Church and, particularly, our parish community.