R.C.I.A.

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (R.C.I.A) is instruction in the Catholic Faith, for:

- those who wish to become Catholic

- those who were baptized Catholic, but never raised Catholic, or never received the  sacraments of Penance, Holy Eucharist, and Confirmation

- those baptized in other Christian denominations that wish to become Catholic

- those who wish to learn more about the Catholic Faith

Join with other adults and fulfill your spiritual life in the Sacraments.  Classes are in session now.   To register for the R.C.I.A. Program, please call the rectory during office hours at 215-482-4600, or after hours please leave your name and phone number.

C.C.D.

We have a wonderfully successful CCD program for all children grades 1-5.  Classes are held every Sunday after the 9:00 a.m. mass from September through May.  Parents interested in registering their child for CCD will be asked to register their child at the rectory in August.  If you are not a member of St. John the Baptist, your child’s Baptismal information will need to be provided.  Children receiving sacraments make their First Penance and First Holy Communion in CCD Year 2, after Easter (can either be on a Saturday or Sunday at mass dependent upon that year’s enrollment), and Confirmation at Easter time in CCD Year 5 (dependent on each individual circumstance). Regular, punctual attendance at CCD class every Sunday is required and is especially important for Holy Communion and Confirmation students, in addition to weekly mass attendance.

Many of our CCD students are children of parents that attended Catholic school. Compared with a full-time catholic education our children have CCD instruction for only one hour per week.  We as Parents are the first teachers and examples to our children, that’s why it’s so important to make weekly mass atttendance a priority, either the Saturday vigil or Sunday morning mass, and to teach our children to pray. Not only does it help deepen the understanding of our faith and help us deepen our relationship with the Lord, but it is an hour during the week we can spend with our families and with God in thanks for his many blessings.

Parents should also be able to answer any questions their children may have about the Catholic Faith. This link from the Baltimore Catechism is a refresher and may help assist with any questions your children may have:

http://www.baltimore-catechism.com/lesson1.htm

Any questions regarding CCD may be directed to Mrs. Kelly Friel by calling 215-370-7749 or e-mail scoutmom792@aol.com