ST.LAWRENCE PREP 2023
Saint Lawrence Parish Religious Education Program
Summer PREP sessions to begin the 2023-2024 year:
Wednesday, 6/14/23 = 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Thursday, 6/15/23 = 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Friday, 6/16/23 = 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Monday, 6/19/23 = 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Tuesday, 6/20/23 = 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
These sessions include two days attending the 9:00 AM Mass together, regular curriculum for each combined grade level, art project throughout for all grades, informational presentation by Father Benn, skit, scavenger hunt, and a short break with snack. All activities are intended to enhance the students' understanding of their Catholic Faith.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
What is "RCIA?
Until the early 80’s, the traditional approach to bringing non-Catholics into the Catholic Faith was characterized by the following:
· The Catechumen [non-baptized]/Candidate [previously baptized] needed to initiate the process.
· He/She was “instructed” in the Faith on an individual basis, usually by the parish priest.
· Once their instruction was completed, the Catechumen/Candidate was received into the Church in a private ceremony.
· All of this was good, but it was time consuming and anonymous.
· There was no standard text, program or curriculum. Depending on the individual priest, the Catechumen either received a thorough instruction in the Catholic Faith or something that was sloppy and not very informative. Since the mid 80’s, the Church has re-thought its approach towards those wishing to become Catholic or those who were baptized as Catholic, but never received any formation in the Faith. This is when RCIA was developed by the American bishops. It is characterized by the following:
· There is a standardized curriculum. The curriculum is based on the Sacred Scriptures, Documents of the Church and the New Catholic Catechism.
· Every parish is required to provide a RCIA Program and if possible, assemble a qualified RCIA Team.
· The RCIA program emphasizes the importance and place which the people of the Parish have in nurturing the formation of the Catechumens [non-baptized] & Candidates [previously baptized]. This often takes place at Sunday Mass, but especially during Holy Week/ the Triduum.
· Unless, there is a serious reason, the Catechumens are received into the Faith at the Easter Vigil. The Candidates can be received into the Church during any time of the year, but preferably during Lent, Holy Week or before Pentecost.
· Presuming that the Program begins in mid-September and concludes on Easter, RCIA is a nine-month process. Catechumens & Candidates meet weekly for one hour.
· The above is a very loose characterization of RCIA. It is intended to give those unfamiliar with this wonderful program a sense of what it is about. There are a number of particulars, not mentioned here, but which are included within the Program which address specific situations.
· Over 40+ years, this approach to catechesis has proven to be extremely successful, largely because of RCIA’s communal aspect. The Catechumens & Candidates experience the parish community’s interest in them; they experience how their parish invests itself in their spiritual journey; and finally, their journey is not anonymous. They share this journey with men & women who are on the same journey through the universal Church; they also benefit from the support of the Parish RCIA Team, brothers & sisters who are excited for them and committed to them.
Between May and September, there will be additional references to St. Lawrence’s RCIA Program and the place it can have in the lives of those searching for their place in Our Lord’s Family. Whenever you have any questions about RCIA or St. Lawrence’s RCIA Program don’t hesitate to contact Fr. Benn through the Parish Office [610]749-2684 or on line at saintlawrence@verizon.net
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Scripture Study
ST. LAWRENCE SCRIPTURE STUDY
The beliefs and teachings of the Catholic Church are grounded on two pillars: Scripture and Tradition. Most Catholics are familiar with the Tradition component of our teachings, but sometimes feel inadequate when it comes to their understanding of the Scriptures. Since the 1970’s, the Church has encouraged a renewal in its effort to educate Catholics in their familiarity and understanding of Sacred Scripture. Each year, St. Lawrence Parish hosts two Scripture Studies. The following are some quick bullet points for your information:
· They generally run for 10 weeks and focus on one Book of the Bible. The “Fall” session runs between mid-September to mid-December; the ”Winter/Spring” runs from mid-January to mid- April.
· Occasionally, depending on the Book being studied, these studies can last longer.
· St. Lawrence Scripture Study is based on the very successful Little Rock Scripture Study.
· Materials (Commentary + Study Guide) are provided. Costs $12.00-20.00
· Each session lasts 90 minutes. The first 60 minutes are a discussion of material the group was assigned to reflect on during the previous week. In most cases this involves no more than 2-3 chapters of the Book they are focusing on. The final 20-30 minutes involve reviewing a video produced by Scripture Scholars commenting on the material the group just covered.
· Don’t worry…………...there are no tests! This is a discussion format lead by Fr. Benn, who acts as a facilitator of the group and their conversation.
There are many people who have an interest in scripture studies; yet, decline participating in them because they feel “they don’t know anything”. That’s the very reason for participating in these studies! What one learns through these studies helps them to understand, appreciate and enjoy their Catholic Faith even more.