Faith Formation

Baptism

Baptism is a moment of great joy for Christian families and for the Church, since the Sacrament of Baptism is the foundation of our sacramental life as Catholics. 

First Communion

So rich is the mystery of the Eucharist that we have a number of terms to illumine its saving grace: the Breaking of the Bread; the Lord's Supper; the Eucharistic Assembly; the Memorial of Christ's Passion, Death, and Resurrection; the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, the Holy and Divine Liturgy; the Eucharistic Liturgy; Holy Communion; and Holy Mass (cf. CCC, nos. 1328-1332).

At Mass we recreate the Last Supper where Jesus brings is disciples together to break bread and drink of the cup that will become Jesus in the Most Precious Body and Blood at Mass.  Jesus left us this gift so that we might be physically and spiritually "fed" weekly, if not daily, to strengthen us for our work in the world.

Confirmation

Confirmation enriches the baptized with the strength of the Holy Spirit so that they can better witness to Christ in word and deed (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], no. 1285).

Anointed by the Holy Spirit at Confirmation, Christians strengthen their bond with the Church and become better equipped to carry out the Church’s mission of love and service.

-excerpt from "Confirmation: Strengthened by the Spirit, Called to Action"

Confirmation imbues youth with the Holy Spirit, preparing their foundation for life. Youth looking to further explore their faith and futures can find service opportunities and learning resources below.

RCIA

Are you an adult over 19? Are you interested in becoming Catholic?  If so, the first step is to speak with the pastor of Saint Andrew Catholic Church about your interest, and about RCIA.

What is the RCIA?

RCIA stands for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and it is the process through which persons – adults and children – join or complete their initiation into the Catholic Church. 

Is the RCIA for me?

The RCIA is for three groups of people:
Those who are not baptized.
Those who were baptized into another Christian denomination and wish to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church.
Baptized Catholics who were never formed in the Catholic faith and have not completed their initiation; that is, who have received neither the sacrament of Confirmation nor Eucharist.

How does the RCIA work?

RCIA consists of four periods of formation which are marked by rituals that celebrate what has been completed and call a person into the next phase.  There is no specific length of time for each period. The RCIA is a journey which gives a person time for prayer, study, and conversion so as to hear the Word of God and embrace the call to discipleship and holiness.  The stages are as follows:

The Inquiry or Precatechumenate
The Catechumenate
The Lenten period of Purification and Enlightenment
Mystagogy or a time of deeper understanding of the “mysteries”

How do I find out more?

Call Rev. Protano and tell him you are interested in learning more about the Catholic faith. Rev. Protano can be reached by phone at (401)466-5519 or alternately by email at standrewbi@gmail.com