Dear Parishioners:

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS—OCIA

This September we will again start the process for men and women who are inquiring about the Catholic Faith. OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) is the process through which adults enter into the Catholic faith. RCIA is a spiritual journey designed in phases and implemented through various rites. The participants' spiritual growth is encouraged and enhanced through weekly reflection on God's Word and the teachings of Catholic doctrine and traditions. Any questions contact the rectory at Ste Genevieve du Bois 314.966.3780.

Becoming a Catholic is one of the most profound and joyous experiences of life. Some are blessed enough to receive this great gift while they are still infants, and over the course of time they grow into a recognition of the enormous grace that has been bestowed upon them, of the dignity and wonder of their identity as Catholics. Others come into the Catholic fold while they are older children or adults. In these cases it is important for people to have a grasp of the joyful process by which one becomes a Catholic.

If you know someone who might be interested in joining the Church, be that family member, fellow worker, or neighbor, please contact the parish office with their name and phone number. Our parishioners are always the best evangelists. Your faith and how you live it will speak volumes to those around you.

Let us pray for those who are contemplating joining the Catholic faith and encourage them through our words, actions and prayers. God bless you for sharing your faith!

Msgr. John Shamleffer

Ten top reasons to come to OCIA—not in any particular order.

1. You want to become Catholic.
2. You are marrying someone outside the faith and they desire to know more about our faith.
3. You are Catholic, and did not receive all of the Sacraments of Initiation—Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Confirmation.
4. You have children to teach and don’t know the faith well enough.
5. You have a friend or family member interested in learning more about the faith, who would be more comfortable if you came with them.
6. You have experienced a loss of some kind in your life and need a small faith community.
7. Your spouse is not Catholic, and might be interested in joining our Church as your children are receiving first communion or confirmation.
8. You are Catholic, and would like to learn current Church teaching and practice.
9. You’ve heard it is a great experience.
10. God is calling you.

Blessings!
Msgr. John Shamleffer

Ps,
Our Annual Catholic Appeal is coming to a close. If you have not already done so please consider a pledge to this Appeal. Your contributions go directly to help serve the needs of so many in our area. So far only about 40% of our parishioners have responded to this campaign.

There are so many appeals and worthy causes that are presented to us daily. This appeal is like the United Way in that it funds the essential organizations and programs of the Archdiocese. These organizations are: parish schools to help keep Catholic education feasible for all, social service programs such as Birthright, Catholic Charities, Newman Centers, and programs for our youth, elderly, homeless and those with special needs.

When you give to the Annual Catholic Appeal you are not only supporting the one or two agencies that are close to your heart, but you are also extending your hands to help all of the other good works performed throughout this Archdiocese.

Thank you for all those who generously support this campaign and the mission of the Church. Let us pray for one another, and especially for those you are assisting through your contributions.