The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process whereby adults come into full membership in the Catholic Church. RCIA serves the non-baptized, those baptized into a non-Catholic Christian denomination, and those baptized Catholics who were not raised in the faith.

The RCIA consists of four phases of formation on the journey toward membership in the Catholic Church. The Inquiry is the stage for those who are opening themselves to God’s call to learn more about the Church. The Catechumenate and Candidacy are periods of formation in knowledge and practice of the Catholic Faith.  Enlightenment & Purification is an intense spiritual preparation for the initiation into the Church. Finally, Mystagogy, discerning how to be of service in the faith community, is the time of deeper penetration into the Catholic faith after officially joining the Church at Easter.

RCIA inquirers are welcome to contact us at any time. Sessions begin in September.  Not sure if the RCIA is for you? Contact us, and we can chat about your faith journey.

Check out this informative video for more information on becoming Catholic – click here.

The Adult Faith Formation and Evangelization Team (AFFE) assists the Director of Adult Faith Formation in setting the vision and carrying out programs of adult religious education and formation within the parish.  All are welcome to come and share their thoughts about adult ministry at St. John’s.

Guided by the U.S. Bishop’s document, “Go and Make Disciples,” Evangelization efforts seek to bring all parishioners to the fullness of the Baptismal call to spread the Gospel.  This is assisted by modern media such as websites, Facebook, YouTube, and other multi-media formats.

Inspired by Pope Francis’ call for missionary conversion, the AFFE Team has set goals that will enable parishioners to be more deeply converted through various prayer workshops and pilgrimages, retreats, Advent and Lent programs, Find Your Catholic Voice series,  scriptural lectio divina, book discussions, etc.  With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, parishioners will, then, become more active as missionary disciples, implementing the gifts of their baptism.  Disciples, then, can more confidently engage the unchurched to become followers of Jesus Christ.

Inspired by passages such as:
“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” Rm 10:15/Is52:7

“So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.” Rm 10:17, and

“Let the word of Christ dwell in your richly.” Col 3:16

The parish currently sponsors several scripture study groups, which meet at different times and are studying different material.  All are welcome to join any or all of these groups.  See our parish bulletins & website for details about scheduled study, where you can choose study via a group meeting with a book of the Bible or a theme approach or a literary genre.
Also, consider at-home study with a brief course on DVDs or in a booklet.

At various times during the year, we will host parish missions, days of prayer, and other seminars to support our growth in the Catholic faith. Also, educational information and flyers are placed in the parish bulletin. If you have ideas, resources, programs or suggestions that you would like to pass along, please feel free to do so. We are always looking for new ways to support parishioners and friends on their faith journeys!

The My Catholic Life! Series is perfect for converts to Catholicism and can be used as a 24 week study of the entire Catholic faith. This series is free in electronic form and provides a complete and faithful summary of the Catechism of the Catholic Church in an easy-to-read format. It also presents our faith in a personal and understandable way. Participants may follow along and read the lessons in a variety of ways:

1) Through this website using the lessons listed on the website: mycatholic.life/rcia
2) By purchasingthe ebook or paperback format
3) By using the RCIA Web App from any device to read the books online for free: www.myrcia.org

Divine Mercy App
The Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception, who have promoted the authentic message of Divine Mercy since 1941, are pleased to release the OFFICIAL Divine Mercy App. This FREE app offers the complete Divine Mercy message and devotion in an easy to navigate format. The app has three main chapters:
THE MESSAGE
THE DEVOTION
MERCY PLUS

According to Pope John Paul II, “There is nothing that man needs more than Divine Mercy”. Moreover, Pope Benedict XVI said, “Devotion to Divine Mercy is not a secondary devotion, but an integral dimension of a Christian’s faith and prayer.” Get this app (available for Android devices or iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch) at http://www.thedivinemercy.org/app/ .

Blessings of Age is for pastoral ministers and for families:
 Blessings of Age: A Pastoral Message on Growing Older Within the Faith Community
http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/marriage-and-family/blessings-of-age-english.cfm
Caring.com is a leading senior care resource for family caregivers: 

• https://www.caring.com/senior-living/assisted-living/maryland
• https://www.caring.com/medicare/

End of Life Care and Planning Resources

The following End of Life Care & Planning resources are available from the Respect for Life Office:

Videos:

https://vimeo.com/storiastudio/ijharchbalt  (6 min)

https://vimeo.com/426053686  (27 min)

Comfort & Consolation, a letter from the Bishops of Maryland, and other resources for end of life care and planning (spiritual, medical, financial, practical, etc.) are also available at www.injoyfulhope.org.

TMIY: Becoming a Man After God’s Own Heart

That Man is You! is an interactive men’s program that combines the latest findings of modern science with the teachings of the Church and the wisdom of the saints to develop authentic male leaders capable of transforming themselves, their families and greater society. Join us for food, fellowship and faith beginning September 12, 2021. All men are welcome. Learn more about the program at tmiy.org.

The program is divided into two, 13 week sessions. The Fall session emphasizes the development of the Scriptural vision of man, especially in his relationship to his family and society while the Spring session emphasizes the practical means of becoming that man.

Walking with Purpose is more than a women’s Bible study. It is a faith community that
supports, encourages, and challenges one another. It is a safe place where you will discover
authentic friendships and meaningful discussions as your heart is transformed by the Word
of God. It is everything you need to get back to living a life that you love.

Are you ready to come back? God is ready and waiting for you to show up just as you are.
He wants to see you discovering your purpose while connecting with a life-giving community.

And God is not the only One waiting. We are, too. The abundant life awaits us, and we’ve
got an open chair with your name on it.

It’s time to come back to community. We can’t wait to see you!

Begins October 2021 - more information to come!