Perhaps you or someone you know is considering becoming Catholic or would like to become Catholic, but is unsure how to get started. We invite you to contact us if you are considering
the journey of faith available through your participation in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. If you have any questions, please call Jan Richards at 908-975-3555
What is RCIA?
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the spiritual journey through which adults become full, active, participating members of the Catholic Church, while growing in deeper relationship with God in the company of the entire faith community. The program is open to anyone, 16 or over, who has not received one, two or all three of the Sacraments of Initiation - Baptism, Eucharist (Communion) or Confirmation.
Our Mission:
Our mission is to assist, support and walk alongside our participants as they journey through the RCIA process. This involves helping our participants become familiar with Catholic teachings and practices, preparing them to receive the Sacraments of Baptism and/or Confirmation and Holy Eucharist, and getting them acquainted with their parish family. An important part of the journey is also encouraging participants to get involved in service through ministry as a means of furthering our parish mission of evangelization.
Program:
RCIA sessions are held once a week on Sunday mornings, from September through May. An RCIA calendar with the full year of sessions and special events is provided to participants at their first session.
For more information regarding the RCIA program at our parish, please contact Jan Richards at 908-975-3555, jrichards100@verizon.net
Our Ministry Needs Parish Support!
Have you thought about helping out with RCIA and wondered how to get involved? We are currently seeking new volunteers to serve as parish sponsors and community supporters. Helping out with RCIA is an amazing way to renew your own faith as you journey through the process of helping others. If you would like to learn more about how you can support this vital ministry, please contact Jan for more information.
The Faith Formation Program (formally CCD) at St. Lawrence Church provides Catholic faith formation to children in kindergarten through eighth grade. Our program aims to provide a learning environment that fosters a personal and loving relationship with Jesus Christ. In addition to classroom instruction, students engage in a wide variety of activities including prayer, Christian service and worship. Our program coupled with weekly Sunday mass attendance will provide your child with the building blocks essential for a growing faith life. Children are eligible for the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Eucharist after two years of religious education classes. For more information or to register your child please call the Faith Formation Office 908-879-6714.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) - Kindergarten through 3rd Grade:
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a hands-on approach to faith formation based on the Montessori method of learning and rooted in Sacred Scripture and Liturgy. CGS utilizes a dedicated prepared space for children called the “atrium”. The atrium is filled with child-sized furnishings and manipulative models of people, places, and objects found in scripture and liturgy. This approach to Religious Education begins with the belief that there is a deep bond between God and the child which produces in the child the desire to draw near to God. Materials on the life of Christ and His teachings help make the mystery of God concrete for the child. Catechists are extensively trained. For more information or to register your child please call the Faith Formation Office 908-879-6714.
The Confirmation Preparation Program at St. Lawrence Parish is a two-year formation process that begins in the 9th grade. Students in the program celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation in the spring of their sophmore year. Celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation marks the beginning of your child’s life as a full member of Catholic Church.
Over the next two years, this preparation process of faith exploration will include class instruction, community service, a day retreat, a Sacrament preparation workshop and participation in the liturgy.
If you would like more information on the Confirmation program, please call the Faith formation Office at 908-879-6714.
VBS is a fun and educational way for children to connect with God. Children from 4 years of age through 6th grade spend the week exploring their faith through bible stories, crafts and music. VBS is held in June each year. Volunteers from 7th grade to adult are welcome.