"Evangelization means to bring the
Good News into all
the strata of humanity, and through its influence
transforming from within and making it new."
(Paul VI Evangelic Nutiandi, 18)
Evangelization is an ongoing commitment at St. John Neumann parish. Together, we are on a continuing journey, seeking always to renew and deepen our faith. At the same time, we reach out to welcome others who are searching for a church community in which their faith can grow. Evangelization ministry is comprised of the following initiatives and groups:
Welcome Rite for New Parishioners
After attending a Discovery Sunday, new parishioners are formally registered at a Welcome Rite held at the beginning of a regular Sunday Mass. At this time, they are introduced to the community, welcomed and prayed for. Registration is finalized as new members offer their signed Community Covenant and completed registration form to Father Bill. After Mass, the assembly greets and personally welcomes our new members.
Children's Liturgy of the Word
Children's Liturgy of the Word is offered twice monthly at the 10:30 a.m. Mass, and is an opportunity for children between the ages of five and ten years to hear the Good News of Christ on their own level. Younger children participate with a parent. Leaders and Aides from St. John's Children's Liturgy Committee provide this children's worship, and meet on the last Monday of the month for planning.
Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.)
Unbaptized adults who wish to be initiated into the Catholic Church through Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist, or baptized adults who wish to be received into the Catholic Church or complete their Catholic sacraments, enter into a gradual process of growth in faith and Catholic identity supported by mentors from St. John's Adult Initiation Team.
The formation process is an immersion in the mystery of faith through Sunday worship, scripture readings, ritual symbols, and rites of the community, which include prayer and apostolic service. The journey, which has four stages with special rituals along the way, eventually climaxes in initiation into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil with the celebration of the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. For baptized, non-Catholic Christian candidates, the process reaches its goal with their reception into the Catholic Church and the celebration of Catholic Confirmation and Eucharist. The period from initiation to Pentecost Sunday continues the journey of faith formation as new members are helped to explore the meaning of their new identity.
The adult initiation group meets on Sunday mornings for Mass and faith sharing sessions. For more information, contact Rita Price at rprice@earthlink.net or Earl Roberts at eroberts@ccsjn.org
Infant baptism preparation is an
outreach of support to new parents by the St. John's Baptism Team on behalf of
our community. Following an initial pastoral visit at the parish office
with either the Pastoral Assistant for Evangelization and Social Ministry or the
Coordinator of the Baptism Preparation Team to start the
process, parents
attend one preparation session, which is offered quarterly. Baptism Disciple Couples from St.
John's Baptism Team facilitate the program and assist on the day of Baptism as
well. All St. John's Baptisms are
celebrated at a regular weekend Mass, except in special circumstances. The
Community is present to welcome the child into the church and to
pledge their support to the new parents as they raise their child
in the faith we share.
Parents are expected to be registered members of The Community of St. John
Neumann. At least one Godparent needs to be a practicing Catholic.
Mothers can connect with each other and receive the support of our parish community in two program offerings:
Moms and Tots is a special outreach to families with young children in the years between baptism and religious educations. Meeting on Friday mornings at the Church Center, this group provides activities for young children and their mothers according to the needs of the group, offering an experience of welcome, belonging, and community building for all and mutual support for the moms. Participation in community service further grounds this group in parish life.
Women Inspiring, Nurturing, Growing and Sharing is an eight-session evening program of personal growth offered annually in the fall. Providing the tools to build relationship skills and to develop strong and supportive friendships in the company of other mothers, WINGS helps to develop a greater awareness of one's spirituality as a mother. Women with children of any age, from infant to adult, may participate. For more information, call Kathy Altavilla, the Ministry Coordinator,(832-9259) or Earl Roberts, Pastoral Assistant (832-2513, ext. 227).
The Spiritual Life Group meets monthly, usually on the second Wednesday evening of each month, to support one another in faith, to help one another recognize and respond to God in our daily experiences, to cultivate and grow in the spiritual life. Discussions are based on our reading of a spiritual book, and meetings include a prayer experience. New members are always welcome!
Lent is the traditional time for Catholics to spend in prayer and reflection, and special opportunities for spiritual growth are offered each year during this liturgical season:
Lenten Prayer Groups
Small, faith-sharing groups are formed each Lent and meet weekly to read, reflect on, pray with, and share faith based on the Lenten Sunday Gospel readings.
Lenten Evening of Reflection
A Lenten Evening of Reflection, open to all, is offered each year on a Sunday evening.
Lenten Soup Supper with Guest Speaker
Following one of the Saturday evening Masses during Lent, St. John's enjoys a simple community soup supper where we share our food with one another and a guest speaker inspires us to respond to the Lenten call to live simply, turn to the Lord, and reach out to others in need.
The evangelization team meets on the third Wednesday evening of the month to explore avenues and implement strategies to help all parishioners work together to become an evangelizing community: one that reaches out to welcome others, to share faith, to live by the gospel values and to foster renewal of community and society.
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This page last edited on
04/28/08