When I was a child, the neighbor across the street attended a Catholic church that had newly opened. She introduced herself to the new pastor and told him she wasn’t a Catholic but loved coming to Mass. The pastor then asked her if she would like to become a Catholic and she responded, “I didn’t think anyone was ever going to ask me. Yes!”

How many people might you know who might be just waiting to be asked if they would like to become a Catholic? A simple invite might be all they need to begin on this journey of faith. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) are designed to welcome new members into our Catholic faith through a process of prayer, instruction in the faith, and rituals that celebrate different stages of the initiation process. Do you know someone who has at one time or other been curious about the Church but may never been baptized, or who has been baptized in another Christian faith community? Do you know someone who has not yet celebrated sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation?

In September we will be beginning a new group of adults and/or older teens who are interested in becoming members of our Catholic faith. Sometimes it is hard to ask the question but there may be someone in your family or social circle who is waiting for the invitation. Remind them that there are no strings attached to coming to an informational meeting in early September. Offer to attend the gathering with them and be willing to support them. The date will be announced in a week or so but it is not too early to plant the seed. Have them call either Holy Cross or Our Mother of Sorrows office and leave a message for Sister Kathleen O’Connell. I will then reach out to them and meet with them. See the front of this bulletin for office phone numbers and/or email.

– Sister Kathleen O’Connel