Faith Formation
Parents of baptized children have a vocation to nurture the Catholic faith and practices in the lives of their children. In fact, parents are the primary educators of the faith by their example, love, and instruction. That is why faith formation does not end with the reception of the sacrament of confirmation, but continues as a life long journey.
Therefore, parental involvement in the faith formation program is welcomed and strongly encouraged for your own personal growth and knowledge, and to be your children’s first link to Christ and his church. Parish faith formation programs exist to aid parents in this responsibility.
Our parish catechists are faith-filled volunteers who give of their time without compensation, in ministry and service for our children and families. They are partners with you in helping your children grow in the understanding and practice of the Catholic faith.
Faith formation includes opportunities for prayer, catechetical instruction, community, leadership, and service.
Cindy Marcoline is the Director of Parish & Family Life at Our Lady of the Assumption Parish.
To register your child, please pick up the appropriate form located in each worship site and in the parish office. Reminder: The parish office is closed on Wednesday.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a journey toward becoming a full, participating member of the Catholic Church. This modern rite was restored in the late 1970s, in the wake of the Second Vatican Council, but it is based on the ancient “order of catechumens,” which dates to the earliest years of the church’s history.
RCIA is a faith formation process designed primarily for adults who have not been baptized in any faith and are intentionally seeking God in their lives. Additionally, it is for those baptized in other faiths, as well as baptized Catholics who have never completed their sacraments of initiation, specifically confirmation and Eucharist.
Those who seek God as an adult have an opportunity to foster a closer relationship with him. RCIA helps people develop that relationship and discover great spiritual growth. Instructors teaching the fullness of the faith and relating it to holy Scriptures serve as guides. Individuals are aided by personal sponsors and a community of individuals with the shared interest of seeking out and coming to know God more closely.
The RCIA program guides the catechumen or candidate through four periods of development and three rites. Each rite marks the transition from one period to the next. Contact Cindy Marcoline, Director of Parish & Family Life at [email protected] 724-479-9542, extension 15 for further details.