Children's Liturgy of the Word (CLW)
The celebration of the Liturgy of the Word with children is a liturgical experience that opens young people to hear and respond to God's Word in ways that enable them to be nurtured and challenged by its power, and to experience the grace of ongoing conversion to the vision and values of the Word of God.
OCIA (formerly RCIA)
OCIA (formerly RCIA) will be begin the Fall of 2024. For more information, our pastoral associate, George Kaissieh can by contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
What is the Process?
The process by which adults come into the Church has come to be known as the “OCIA," or "Order of Christian Initiation of Adults." The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is a faith journey for those desiring to enter the Catholic Church or for those who wish to complete their initiation into the Church.
THE OCIA FORMATION PROCESS IS FOR:
- Unbaptized - For those adults who need a process to help them grow in awareness to God's call to conversion as well as ways to respond to that call, the O.C.I.A. gradually uncovers the story of God’s salvation for all; the mystery of Jesus’s life, death and resurrection; and the workings of the Holy Spirit as revealed in the beliefs, sacramental life and spiritual practices of the Catholic Church. The process of Christian initiation (known also as the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, or OCIA) prepares you to enter into the Catholic Church by celebrating what are called the sacraments of Christian initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist (or Holy Communion). Those adults participating in the RCIA process are called catechumens.
- Baptized in Another Christian Church - those catechized and uncatechized persons who are seeking full communion with the Roman Catholic Church. They are considered candidates. If you were already baptized in another Christian tradition, the initiation process prepares you to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church by celebrating the sacraments of Confirmation and the Eucharist (or Holy Communion).
WHAT IS THE Order OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION?
The Order of Christian Initiation is based on the principle that the process of conversion proceeds gradually, in stages. Progress from one stage to the next is marked by a liturgical celebration in the midst of the parish community. The experience and needs of those in each category described above differ, and so the length of time may vary for each person. Yet there are certain similarities among all the groups and the process they will experience.
PRECATECHUMENATE
The first stage is called the period of inquiry (or the precatechumenate). This is when the individual first expresses an interest in learning about Christianity in the Catholic Church. With the help of the parish community, the individual explores his or her relationship with Christ and how that relationship might be enriched and deepened by joining this Christian community. This period of inquiry typically lasts several weeks but may last several months or several years and ends either when the inquirer feels ready to move forward to the Catechumenate stage or when he or she decides against continuing in this direction.
CATECHUMENATE
The second stage is called the catechumenate and, for the unbaptized listed above, who are now called “catechumens,” continues to the stage of Purification and Enlightenment. For the baptized but uncatechized (not yet educated in the faith), the period should be a similar length. “Candidates” for full communion may complete this stage in a shorter time frame. The Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens (for catechumens) and the Rite of Welcoming (for candidates) mark the beginning of this stage.
Catechesis is based in Scripture and proclaimed in the midst of the worshiping community. This is also a time for the catechumen or candidate to learn how to live as a Catholic Christian through their faith journey and the support of their parish community. This period ends when the catechumens and candidates express their desire to receive the sacraments. The Sacraments of Initiation include Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist for those who are catechumens and Confirmation and Eucharist for those who are candidates. At the end of the period of catechumenate, the catechumens become the “elect,” which is marked by the Rite of Election during the next stage.
PURIFICATION AND ENLIGHTENMENT
The third stage is the period of purification and enlightenment. It coincides with the liturgical season of Lent. During this time, the elect (catechumens) and the candidates enter into a period of intense preparation and prayer which includes the three public celebrations of the scrutinies (for catechumens) and is marked by the presentations of the Creed and the Lord's Prayer. The Rite of Election (for catechumens) and the Call to Continuing Conversion (for candidates) are celebrated at the beginning of this stage. This period ends with the celebration of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. (Note: only the elect are baptized. All receive the sacrament of Confirmation and are welcomed around the Eucharistic table.
MYSTAGOGY
The fourth stage is the period of post baptismal catechesis or mystagogy. The newly initiated explore their experience of being fully initiated through participation with all the faithful at Sunday Eucharist and through appropriate catechesis. The period formally lasts through the Easter season. On a more informal level, mystagogy is a lifelong process, one in which all Christians are engaged, as we all work to deepen our sense of what it means to live the Christian life.
SOME COMMON QUESTIONS
Must I make a commitment to Catholicism to participate in this program? No! The RCIA process is for those who are inquiring into the Catholic faith. We realize that many people are searching and need to know more about the Church before they make such a commitment. We also realize that Catholicism is not for everyone.
I WAS BAPTIZED IN ANOTHER CHRISTIAN FAITH TRADITION. MUST I BE RE-BAPTIZED IN ORDER TO JOIN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH?
No! There is only one Baptism, providing the rite used water, and the words, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.” Most Christian traditions meet these requirements. Candidates seeking full Communion within the Catholic Church will not be baptized again. They will simply make a Profession of Faith and receive the Sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation.
PREP (Parish Religious Ed. Prog.)
PREP BEGINS SEPT. 14TH!
PREP Handbook PREP Registration
PREP (Parish Religious Education Program)
For
STUDENTS WHO DO NOT ATTEND A CATHOLIC SCHOOL
St. Michael’s PREP (Parish Religious Education Program) is for students in grades preschool through eighth grade. Our classes meet Sunday mornings in between masses from 10:00-10:50 AM. Registration for PREP will be open on the parish website in August.
Students in second grade prepare for the Sacrament of First Eucharist and it is celebrated in the Spring.
The Sacrament of Confirmation is a two-year process. The seventh grade year is sacramental preparation and students complete the preparation and celebrate Confirmation in eighth grade.
The Catholic Church recognizes the special role parents play as their children’s first catechists. We know children learn the Faith at home. The role of the parish is to support you in the faith development of your children.
Please contact Stacey O’Bryan if you would like additional information.
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
502 266 5611 Ext. 229
Ministry of Families with Young Children
Ministry of Families with Young Children is designed to serve those families with infants through lower elementary-aged children. This ministry offers families a chance to gather and meet other Catholic parents with young children. If you are interested in learning more about this ministry, please reach out to Stacey O'Bryan at stobryan@stmichaellouisville.
Upcoming Events:
Eleministry
Eleministry is a group designed specifically for our parish children in Grades 3-5. We will strive to help create meaningful encounters with Christ to help children better understand and connect with their Catholic faith and community.
CLICK HERE to RSVP for Lenten Eleministry
