Evangelization Commission

Do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully.
2 Timothy:5

The role of the Evangelization Commission is to increase awareness of, and need for, evangelization of all members of the community, and to invite, welcome and engage all in the activities, liturgies and ministries of the parish.  It is our desire to share our faith, teach the Gospel, enhance participation, and encourage our entire Catholic and non-Catholic community to join us in worship.

Catholics Coming Home Raphaels RCIA Welcome Committee

Catholics Coming Home

Catholics Coming Home is a program at St. Raphael designed to reach out and invite non-practicing Catholics to return "home" to the Catholic Church and resume active practice of their faith.  Six weekly sessions provide updated information on the basics of Catholicism in a non-threatening, support-group format.  St. Raphael's Evangelization Committee began the program in 2006 and received very positive feedback from those who attended.  One couple who attended the program in the first year is now a part of the planning team.  They praise the program for the "palpable sincerity" shown by the team members.  The sessions typically begin in early February each year and cover topics including Scripture and Tradition, Vatican II, Reconciliation (Confession), Eucharist, the Mass and the Creed.  The content of the sessions can also be adapted to meet the specific needs of each year's participants.  More information can be obtained by calling Deacon Larry Gregg at 871-1100 x 134.

Catholics Coming Home Information

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Raphaels

The Raphaels is a dedicated group of parishioners who minister to the elderly of the parish by bringing the Eucharist to the sick and homebound.  Sending greeting cards, providing Communion at Harborside nursing home, praying the rosary with the residents of the Knickerbocker, Senior Citizens Fun Day and an annual prayer day are some of the many things they do to benefit the elderly and homebound in the community.

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RCIA

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a formation process for adults, who have discerned a desire to be Catholic, but have not been baptized or who have been baptized in another Christian faith.  The process involves weekly gatherings from September to May for the purpose of learning about the Roman Catholic tradition through teachings and prayer.  The goal for each participant is to discern whether or not they would like to be fully initiated into the Catholic Church.  For full initiation, Catholics need the sacraments of Baptism, Holy Communion and Confirmation.  Once these sacraments have been conferred and received, the Catholic is entitled to all the privileges and responsibilities of full membership in the Church.  During the formation process, certain rites occur to celebrate and affirm the candidates' growth in faith and knowledge.  Because the initiation of new members concerns and affects the parish community, the rites take place during a few selected Sunday liturgies.  This enables the entire parish to be involved in the support and formation of these catechumens and candidates.  The RCIA process also lends itself well to those Catholics who have been baptized but have not completed preparation for the reception of the sacraments of Holy Communion and/or Confirmation.  Catholics who desire to be fully initiated are invited to join us.  We begin on the Monday after Labor Day.  Other arrangements are available for those who are unable to attend on Mondays.  Prior to attendance, information must be elicited from each candidate.  Please call Father Michael Stalla in the Parish Office.

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Welcome Committee

The Welcome Committee offers an opportunity to share Christ’s love with the members of St. Raphael Parish.  The Committee’s focus is two-fold:  to ensure that those joining St. Raphael are warmly invited and genuinely welcomed in to the parish community; to ensure that all members of the parish know that they are vitally important members of our parish family.  The success of this committee’s endeavors depends on the support of all, by actively working on specific projects and supporting the projects with your prayers and participation.

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