8929 50th Ave, 49340
989-967-3520
Fax: 989-967-8246
**Emergency after hours
231-519-4348
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)
RCIA - First of all, what is RCIA? It's the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. This is the process through which someone who wishes to join the Roman Catholic Church does so. As the name indicates, this journey is oriented toward adults, but when a family is involved, so are the children and they are welcome.
Here at St. Michael we begin in September with the initial Inquiry phase. For those choosing to proceed further, we move through additional phases and Rites with an individual joining the Church at the following Easter Vigil. Let's focus on this initial Inquiry stage.
What is Inquiry? This is a relaxed time to learn something about the Church, its people, the Gospel, the parish, our individual faith journey and Jesus Christ. Inquiry is a no-pressure opportunity to discern whether you might want to become Catholic. This is the time to ask those basic questions. For example, why do Catholics do this, or that? What's the role of Mary in the Church? Why do Catholics have to go to church on Sunday? What's a bishop? I was married before, so what about me? Those are a few samples of what someone might ask, and there are a myriad more.
Inquiry is a time to reflect on things like: What is Faith? Where is God? Who is Jesus Christ? Why do I need a church? What's drawing me here?
Let's talk about it! There is a structure and rhythm to our Inquiry sessions, but there is also plenty of time for discussions and to follow the urgings of the Spirit.
Who should join us? Anyone who is curious about Catholicism, or if you've been searching for a church community. Perhaps, your family was Catholic, but you've never attended Mass and are wondering whether it is time to "come home". Maybe, it's been a long time. The bottom line is that having read this and you have an (even slight) inkling that this is something that you should check out - You should! As Saint Paul said: "...the right time is now."
For more information or to reserve your spot, please call the parish office at 989-967-3520 or send an email to parishoffice@stmikes.us