For those who have never been Baptized

Is God calling you….?

 ..to explore becoming a Catholic?  If so, we’d be happy to talk to you.  We welcome everyone – but we also know that church membership isn’t for everyone, and so the first steps are only an exploration, with no commitment other than to be honest with yourself.

 If you have already been baptized (in our church or another Christian denomination), we have a special process called Another Look described in the panel to the right.  If you have never been baptized we begin with an exploration of what it means to be baptized as a follower of Jesus Christ in the Catholic Church.

 Here’s what the process usually involves.  Call the parish office (631-587-5185) to arrange an appointment.  You will be guided through the next steps, which go something like this and can extend from several months to several years:

• A face to face conversation or two about your life so far; during this time you’ll be helped to understand what the process of becoming a Catholic involves;

• Making a connection with a specially-selected and –prepared church member who will become a point of contact and a mentor for you as you explore whether God is calling you;

• Opportunities to get involved in church activities, so you can see for yourself what the life of a disciple involves;

This is known as the period of inquiry. After some time doing these things, if you decide you want to proceed with becoming a Catholic Christian, you’ll be formally welcomed to our church through a ritual – the Rite of Becoming a Catechumen.  (“Catechumen” means a person who is formally engaged in studying how to become a disciple of Jesus Christ, but who has not yet received the Sacraments of Initiation, Baptism and Confirmation, and has not yet been welcomed to the Lord’s Table at the Eucharist to share the Sacrament of Holy Communion.)  The time as a catechumen will be at least one year, usually more, and involves:

·         Continuing connection with your mentor;

·         Formal study about the responsibilities of a disciple;

·         A commitment to live the ethical life of a disciple of Jesus;

·         Weekly attendance at Mass to hear the Word of God in the Scriptures;

·         Regular prayer for God’s help to continue.

 When you and the church decide you are ready for full membership we will approach the bishop for your formal enrollment as a member of the Elect.  (The “Elect” are catechumens who have been approved to be fully initiated at the coming Easter.)  During this time you will

·         Continue with all the activities you knew as a catechumen, but with a special intensity;

·         Experience several special rituals at the Sunday Masses to prepare you for Baptism, Confirmation, and your first reception of Holy Communion; and –

·         Receive the Sacraments of Initiation at Easter.

 But initiation takes another full year, during which time the newly-initiated are known as neophytes (this means “newly-born” – that is, as disciples).  This is a time of continuing study, prayer, and service that helps you to commit more fully to the new life that God has given you in Christ.

 The first step is to ask, “Might God be calling me to become a Catholic?  To come to know, love, and serve Him?”  If you want to begin to explore these questions, you’re welcome to call.

For Baptized Christians of any denomination

Another Look is a process available to all baptized Christians who seek to become full members of the Roman Catholic Church.  This includes

• those baptized in the Catholic Church who have not completed their sacraments of initiation (First Holy Communion and / or Confirmation)
• those who have been baptized in another faith tradition (e.g. Lutheran, Baptist, etc.) who now wish to join the Catholic Church
• those fully initiated Catholics who might have been away from the Church community and now seek to return

For any who have never been baptized in a Christian denomination we offer the process of RCIA (please see the information in the panel on the left).

Here’s what the process usually involves. Call the parish office (631-587-5185) to arrange an appointment.  You will be guided through the next steps, which go something like this and can extend from several months to several years:

• A face to face conversation or two about your life so far; during this time you’ll be helped to understand what the process of becoming fully initiated into the Catholic Church is all about

• Periodic gatherings with others who are also preparing for full initiation into the Church.

• Making a connection with a specially-selected and –prepared church member who will become a point of contact and a mentor for you as you explore whether God is calling you to become fully part of the Church

• Opportunities to get involved in church activities, so you can see for yourself what the life of a disciple involves

• Preparation and reception of the Sacraments you require to become fully initiated into the Church.

We look forward to hearing from you and beginning your journey to full communion with the Church.