RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults)

The RCIA or catechumenate is the Catholic Church's process for welcoming adult inquirers who are interested in becoming members of the Roman Catholic Church. It is a process which follows the Church's liturgical year and leads up to the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) at the Easter Vigil.

Baptism

Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission. Baptisms will take place before, after or during the weekend Masses at the discretion of the pastor. Godparents need to be Confirmed Practicing Catholics.

Confirmation

The Sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace. For by this sacrament, the baptized are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. This Sacrament will be given ordinarily to 11th and 12th graders by Bishop Michael O. Jackels, and by the Pastor for all who join the Catholic Church from another faith.

Eucharist

The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. Mass is offered:

Sun 10:00 AM & 7:00 PM
M, Tu, Th, F 11:45 AM
Wed 7:30 PM
Sat 8:00 AM

Reconciliation

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered:
Sun 9:30 AM & 6:15 - 6:45 PM
Wed 7:00 - 7:20 PM
Weekdays - 15 minutes before morning Masses
Special penance services are also offered during Lent and Advent and will be announced in the bulletin and at Mass.

Holy Matrimony

The Bishops of Kansas have determined that four to six months preparation is required before the marriage of a Catholic. The Bishops state that no absolute commitment on dates and times may be given before the completion of the requisite preparations. These preparations must be completed for those wishing to be married in St. Paul's Catholic Church: an Engaged Encounter weekend at the Spiritual Life Center or Evenings for the Engaged Series, counseling with the FOCCUS instrument (a pre-marital inventory), Natural Family Planning classes, and the customary completion of freedom to marry forms. If it is to be an inter-faith marriage, instructions on the beliefs of Catholics must also be given. (The non-Catholic need not become a Catholic, but he/she needs to know the basic beliefs of Catholics.) All other questions about marriage can be answered by contacting the parish office.

The annulment of a marriage may be sought by contacting the pastor.

Anointing of the Sick

When a person is seriously ill, he/she should call for the priest to minister this wonderful sacrament. One need not be at death's door to receive the sacrament! Indeed, the sacrament is intended as part of the Church's healing ministry -- healing for body as well as for soul!