“For He has made known to us in all wisdom and insight the mystery of His will, according to His purpose which He set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in Him, things in heaven and things on earth.” ~ Ephesians 1:9-10
In catechesis it is Christ, the Incarnate Word and Son of God, who is taught – everything else is taught with reference to Him – and it is Christ alone who teaches – anyone else teaches to the extent that he is Christ’s spokesman, enabling Christ to teach with his lips. The definitive aim of catechesis is to put people not only in touch but in communion, in intimacy, with Jesus Christ: only He can lead us to the love of the Father in the Spirit and make us share in the life of the Holy Trinity.” (John Paul II, On Catechesis in Our Time, 5, 6) No area of catechesis is as urgent and important as is the faith formation of adults! “The Catechesis of adults is the principal form of catechesis, because it is addressed to persons who have the greatest responsibilities and the capacity to live the Christian message in its fully developed form. The Christian community cannot carry out a permanent catechesis without the direct and skilled participation of adults, whether as receivers or as promoters of catechetical activity. The world, in which the young are called to live and to give witness to the faith which catechesis seeks to deepen and strengthen, is governed by adults. The faith of these adults too should continually be enlightened, stimulated and renewed, so that it may pervade the temporal realities in their charge. Thus, for catechesis to be effective, it must be permanent, and it would be quite useless if it stopped short at the threshold of maturity, since catechesis, admittedly under another form, proves no less necessary for adults.” Pope John Paul II, Catechesis in Our Time, 43.
At St. John’s
As Catholics we are called to be a holy people, and as mature adults we must be well equipped to know and understand our faith so that we can celebrate it meaningfully, and spread it joyfully. There are many ways we form adult faith. To appreciate the beauty and richness of becoming a Catholic, you can visit the introduction to the RCIA found at www.acmrcia.org which “takes the site visitor through the rites of the RCIA process, from the movingly simple questions and replies of the Rite of Acceptance, through the Rite of Election and Lenten minor rites, and finally to the noble and ancient sacramental liturgy of the Easter Vigil. The sequence desires to communicate one message: that the liturgies of Holy Mother Church are the primary and most powerful sources of grace to foster the goal of the catechumenal proces – sincere and lasting conversion to Christ and His Church.”
In the Adult Confirmation & RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) programs adults are prepared for the sacraments. You may be interested in learning more about our faith, know of someone who is interested, or perhaps you would like to become part of the team who assists others wishing to join the church. Two ways to join in support:
Individual Sponsor is a confirmed catholic who will nourish an adult candidate’s (or catechumen’s) faith journey through to Confirmation or reception into the church.
Community Sponsor attends faith formation talks and supports the candidates and catechuments as they journey toward Confirmation or reception into the church.
For more information contact Fr. John at (978) 531-0002
The Adult Lecture Series, begun in 2006, is held every Spring and Fall over several weeks. Topics of interest are explored in their historical, scriptural or current context from the Catholic Christian perspective.
Past series titles have included:
"The Church Facing Its History: understanding the past, shaping the future"
"Medical Ethics: the duties and limits of extending life"
"Catholic Social and Economic Justice: a scriptural and historical view"
"Challenges of a Changing Church: A series on the impact of Vatican Council II"
"Perspectives on Paul: A series on Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles"
"Current Issues in Ethics: A series on contemporary ethical questions"
"From Newcomer to Neighbor: The immigrant experience and the Church's welcome"
"Whose Homeland is the Holy Land: a history of the Palestinian Jewish conflict"
"The New Roman Missal: the evolution and introduction of the third edition."
We hope to see you at our next series! Contact person is Kate Murray (katherinevmurray@yahoo.com).
The Sunday Bible Study Group read, and share insights into, the Scriptures and discuss other issues of importance to Catholics today. The group meets on Sunday nights from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Parish Center. Different topics are discussed throughout the year. Group size differs each week, with sometimes five, sometimes as many as fifteen in attendance. Come as you are able and the spirit leads you. All are welcome and prior attendance is absolutely not necessary, only an open heart and a willingness to be fed by the Word of God. To purchase study guides that are used occasionally, or for more information, call John or Lorraine Adams at (978) 532-2898.
The Social Justice Committee raises consciousness in our parish of the church’s social teaching. This group also facilitates action to address needs of people in our city and beyond. Contact person is Sr. Lenore Coan, SND.
The Parish Library is located in our Parish Center and offers books and other reading and media materials of interest to Catholics. We look to volunteers to keep the library in good order and to greet people on weekends. Contact Pat Adam at (978) 532-1083.
Volunteer opportunities!
Contact persons as noted above,
or submit the volunteer form below.
Adult Confirmation & RCIA:
Individual Sponsor
Community Sponsor
Bible Studies
Adult Lecture Series
Social Justice Committee
Parish Center Library: Assist with special projects such as the cataloging of newly acquired inspirational or spiritual books, videos or audio tapes. Periodic help is also needed with redistribution or reshelving of inventory. Contact Pat Adam: (978) 532-1083.
