September RCIA
Week of September 25
We will meet back at the Church after dinner for our Church Tour!
Week of September 18
First topic for discussion: Who Am I? God created us in love; each of us has a history in which God has been mysteriously involved. Our search as humans and religious people begins with the hungers of our own hearts. In our own hearts is a hunger for the infinite, a hunger for God: “The desire for God is written in the human heart, because man is created by God and for God; and God never ceases to draw man to himself. Only in God will he find the truth and happiness he never stops searching for” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 27).
Second topic for discussion: What Am I Looking For? In the PDF you will find some overview statements about the Catholic Church. Think about them and what they say in terms of your own personal seeking at this point in your life.
Week of September 11
What RCIA will look like this year…
RCIA this year will be focused on the background of the Catholic faith, as well as meeting members of the Body of Christ and living out the faith. Each week we will participate in hearing a member of St. Austin, a Paulists Father, or an invited guest to speak on Church teachings. You will also see ministries join us each week as they will help you find the best ministry to participate in after RCIA is over in May.
We have invited some parishioners from St. Austin to be a part of the RCIA team. The RCIA team is there to answer any questions for you as well as getting to know you. As we begin the inquiry period, we would love for you to start thinking about a sponsor for yourself. This can be a member of St. Austin, or it can be a close family friend. We would love it if they could come to the weekly RCIA meetings, especially as we are meeting virtually. Your sponsor will walk this journey with you, so it is imperative that you meet or speak to them weekly about your journey. We want to make sure that you are walking this journey with someone who can support you in all ways you need. If you need help finding a sponsor, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Books for your journey
If you are interested in reading more about RCIA and the journey you will be on, here are a few books for you to begin to read…
Catholic by Choice by Richard Cole (went through RCIA here at St. Austin)
Why be Catholic by Richard Rohr
Read the Catechism in a year (Sent through your email daily)
Monthly Magnificat-has daily readings, prayers, saints, and meditations There is a paper subscription as well as an online/app subscription