News

New Traffic Alert for St. Peter's Parish Grounds

RCIA Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

Are you interested in becoming Catholic?

How does our parish attract new people to consider becoming Catholic? The short answer is: you!  Receiving people into full communion in the Catholic Church it is the fruit of the Holy Spirit.   When parish members open their hearts to welcome others, we become a welcoming and evangelizing community that takes seriously the call to share the Divine message of Salvation. This happens in parish families, in the workplace, in gatherings with friends and neighbors, and in our daily contacts. Thanks be to God as he continuously strengthens each of us who work to do his will in offering a gentle, humble, and clear welcome to people interested the Catholic faith.  We fulfill the Savior’s command: "Go out into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature." (Mark 16:15)

What is RCIA? The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process established for the universal Church for individuals to become Catholic and receive the sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist. This initiation process also involves a parish community experiencing a renewal in faith as it prepares and welcomes new members into the Church. The Rite speaks of this conversion as a "spiritual journey." Centered on fostering a deep relationship with Jesus and the Church he founded, this journey takes place through distinct stages over a period of time suitable to bring about a thorough catechesis, significant experience of the parish community, and commitment to the liturgical and moral life of the Catholic faithful.

Through, Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults  (RCIA), interested non-baptized persons become catechumens, and catechumens become full members of the Catholic Church by means of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist, which are referred to as the Sacraments of Initiation. Also, through RCIA, candidates, that is, those who have been validly baptized outside the Catholic Church but wish to become Catholics are received in Full Communion – they make a profession of the Catholic faith and are formally received into the Church. This is followed by confirmation and Eucharist!

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is primarily about conversion and as we adults know, we are always in need of conversion – a deep experience of God’s presence in our life within a loving community of faith.

·        Are you looking for a Church, a community of faith to call your own?

·        Do you struggle with questions about:

o   Life?

o   Death?

o   Suffering?

o   Hope?

o   Sacraments?

o   Forgiveness?

o   Love?

o   God?

·        Would you like a deeper meaning for your presence at Sunday's liturgy?

If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, then the RCIA process could be for you. If you are not connected to any faith community, you are most welcome to explore the Catholic faith with us.  If you feel it is for you, you will be formally accepted into the Catholic Church in a solemn celebration at an Easter Vigil. RCIA is the ministry of God's welcoming embrace symbolized by the Church's acceptance of new members of the family of Catholic Christians. RCIA is a journey of faith that unbaptized persons as well as baptized persons complete with the help of a sponsor, the catechists, the parish family, and, above all, on the strength of their own conviction.

Sometimes we feel God calling us to a deeper relationship with Him, and we do not know what to do; and most often when we begin our return journey HOME to our Catholic faith and community. Do not be afraid of, or ignore this inner calling; it is the working of the Holy Spirit. If you are not yet Catholic and would like to answer this call to a deeper relationship with God, or married to a catholic, but not yet made a religious commitment of your own, or involved in our parish but never taken the step towards becoming a member in full communion with the church, or baptized, but not active in a church, or find yourself wanting more, or you have been away from your faith for a period of time and you would like to reconnect again with God through the Sacraments, the RCIA classes will begin on September 11, 2023.

We welcome you with open arms and encouragement on this new path in your life that God has prepared for you, and we promise to journey with you all along in prayers, encouragement, worship, and spiritual nurturing.

When I see people from our parish taking this next step or joining the RCIA, it is incredibly joyful and brings a smile to my face. To see the passion and desire of our catechumens and candidates to learn and grow in their faith is an awesome witness to me. We too, should continue to grow in our faith throughout our lives, not just in preparation for the sacraments. We are all called to that continuing conversion in our own lives. It's not just about learning more about God and His Church. It is getting to know God and His Church in our deeper relationship!

Deacon Mark

St. Peter's Church Women's Group Day of Reflection

Please join us, together with our host, St. Benedict Parish, for a day of reflection, “Called and Anointed for Mission” on Saturday, September 30, from 8:30am-4:00pm at St. Benedict Parish, 2310 Bedford St., Johnstown, PA. (NOTE THE CHANGE IN LOCATION) Inspirational Speaker, Ximena DeBroeck will lead us as we walk with the women of the Old and New Testament and discover the meaning of being called. The day will include Mass, Adoration and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This event is free and open to all! Lunch and refreshments will be served so an RSVP is required by September 18th. A love offering will be taken. To register or for more information, please contact: Sue Sube at (814) 442-6168 or suejsube@yahoo.com We will car pool from the S. Columbia Ave parking lot at 7:30am.

Please Join St. Peter's Choir!

St. Peter's Church choir will be restarting after Labor Day. We rehearse from 6:30-8pm on Wednesday evenings in the choir loft and sing at 10am Mass every Sunday. Our first rehearsal will be on Wednesday, September 6th. We accept new members at any time throughout the year. Ages beginning at 8th grade and up and all ability levels are welcome (but specifically, we could use more low voices). If you’re interested in joining, please contact the choir director, Jason June, at (814)279-8132 (call or text) or simply come to a rehearsal on Wednesday evening. To quote St. Augustine, “To sing is to pray twice.”

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