Scripture Study Group, Join Us!!!
Dear Scripture Scholars,
A few of you have asked what Books are we going to be focusing on this year. I'm glad they did because it reminded me to makes those decisions and order the material. Here are the details:
- Book of Exodus 9 weeks
9/10-12/3 10:30 AM-12
There will be 1 date that there will be no Session [10/15/24]. I'm presuming that the Tuesday of Thanksgiving Week, you will still want to gather. Talk about it among yourselves; if the majority of people feel there is too much going on in your life that week and you would prefer to skip it. I can live with that. We can decide on that a little later.
- Costs: There are two sets of books for this study; each costs $10.00; consequently, the cost to each participant will be $20.00. If you are paying by check, make the check out to St. Lawrence Church.
- I am sure you will enjoy this Study, since the Book of Exodus contains many of the Old Testament stories that we are familiar with and were raised with since we were children.
- Book:Letters from Prison: [9weeks]
1/7/ 25-4/8/25 Tuesdays 10:30AM-12
*Not including any cancellations because of foul weather or illnesses, there will be on date on which I will not be here; 2/18/25. Because, Lent is late this year and the study is only 9 weeks long, we will have a few days to fall back on, if there are any cancellations.
- Costs: Same as the study of the Book of Exodus. 2 sets of books at $10.00 a piece for a total of $20.00.
- This study focuses on "Letters" which St. Paul wrote while imprisoned, awaiting his trial.
Please invite neighbors or fellow parishioners to consider joining one or both Studies. I ordered all of the materials 30 minutes ago. I'm looking forward to being with you again in September. In the mean time, enjoy this last weeks of the Summer. Fr. Benn
St. Lawrence RCIA Program
Becoming a Catholic
Interested in becoming a Catholic ? St Lawrence Church is the place for you! Our Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults begins September 21, 2023! See downloadable PDF Schedule below
Discover the Power of Faith at Saint Lawrence Roman Catholic Church Church
RCIA was developed by the American bishops. It is characterized by the following:
- There is a standardized curriculum that must be followed. 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 general 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, which are included within the Program which address specific situations.
- In 2023-2024, St. Lawrence RCIA Program will run on Tuesday evenings, 7-8 PM. The first session will begin on September 12, 2023. The program concludes at the Easter Vigil on Saturday evening, March 31, 2024.One should not worry of what they know or don’t know; regardless of whether they have received formation in Christianity or another religious tradition. Everyone starts off at the same level.
- The basic format of the evenings is one of lecture combined with discussion. There are no tests or expenses. Any needed materials will be supplied.
- Unless it is a very small group, the RCIA group will meet in Ceader Hall {7-8 PM} beneath the church.
- September 12th will come up sooner than one thinks. Consequently, it is important that those contemplating becoming a Catholic pray about it and not hesitate to ask questions. There are no foolish or silly questions. We want the candidate to be as comfortable in making their decision as possible. They are encouraged to contact Fr. Walter Benn at the Parish Office [610] 749-2684 / saintlawrence@verizon.net with any concerns which they might have.
- Since there is a lot of material to cover, it is imperative that all Candidates & Catechumens start the process on September 12th. One cannot start 2-3-4 weeks after the program begins. If a person desires to participate in the program but is wrestling with scheduling issues, they are encouraged to discuss this with Fr. Benn. All efforts will be made to help resolve their scheduling conflicts.
- Finally, we encourage every person who is considering becoming a Catholic to ask for God’s help. Pray! Talk to him. Ask Him for the clarity that comes with His guidance and for the courage to make this decision. Keep in mind, that RCIA is a journey. There’s nothing wrong about asking for directions. If one reaches a point in the process and doesn’t feel it is for them, they can always step out of the program.
Fr. Walter J. Benn
