This Sunday the Rite of Welcoming and Acceptance are celebrated at the 9:00am Mass, as the first major ritual for our candidates and catechumens in our RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) process. After a period of discernment and prayer, the rite officially publicly welcomes ten people from our community who have been inquiring and studying about our faith. In this ritual, a declaration of intention to continue their faith journey is made, and the Church community symbolically claims these men and women, for Christ, by signing them with the cross.
Please joyfully welcome catechumens Kyeleen Beinlich, Chantal Borowski, Jennifer Guadarrama, Linda Heineck, Cassandra Heise, Sarah Key, Lottie Luke, & Luis Lerma as they prepare for their initiation into the Christian faith through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.
Also warmly greet candidates Charles Bender, & Kevin Luke already one with us in Baptism, who now wish to complete their Christian initiation through the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation, to be received into the full communion of the Catholic Church. Please pray for our RCIA team, sponsors, candidates, & catechumens through their journey of faith this next year.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Monday, June 6, 2011
Considering joining the Catholic Faith?
Are you or someone you love considering joining the catholic faith?
The Adult Catechumenate, also referred to as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), is a community based, four phase process to nurture and guide adults who are seeking information and ultimately initiation into the Catholic faith. The four phases of RCIA are Inquiry, Catechumenate, Enlightenment, and Mystagogia. The length of time to complete the process depends on each participant's individual needs, however conversion and initiation usually revolve around the liturgical calendar. The Easter season is the traditional time when adults are initiated into the faith through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and reception of the Holy Eucharist. After adults have been accepted into the Catechumenate, they are required to gather with the RCIA Team once per week for catechetical instruction and spiritual formation and to join together for communal prayer and reflection on the Scriptures at Sunday liturgy.
We will begin the formation process and classes for 2011-2012 RCIA on Monday, August 22nd. Please contact an RCIA Team member or Mike McHenry, the Director of Faith Formation, at St Juliana’s Parish Office for more information and details. We look forward to hearing from you and answering any questions you may have. 714-879-1965
The Adult Catechumenate, also referred to as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), is a community based, four phase process to nurture and guide adults who are seeking information and ultimately initiation into the Catholic faith. The four phases of RCIA are Inquiry, Catechumenate, Enlightenment, and Mystagogia. The length of time to complete the process depends on each participant's individual needs, however conversion and initiation usually revolve around the liturgical calendar. The Easter season is the traditional time when adults are initiated into the faith through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and reception of the Holy Eucharist. After adults have been accepted into the Catechumenate, they are required to gather with the RCIA Team once per week for catechetical instruction and spiritual formation and to join together for communal prayer and reflection on the Scriptures at Sunday liturgy.
We will begin the formation process and classes for 2011-2012 RCIA on Monday, August 22nd. Please contact an RCIA Team member or Mike McHenry, the Director of Faith Formation, at St Juliana’s Parish Office for more information and details. We look forward to hearing from you and answering any questions you may have. 714-879-1965
Sunday, May 1, 2011
RCIA - “Neophyte” (new believer)
Krista Lowary moved to Orange County about a year and a half ago from Montana, where she attended Carroll College, a private Catholic college. She moved here to take a position with Stryker Spine as a medical device sales rep and to be near her boyfriend and now RCIA sponsor, Robbie Simons, who is a student at the college of optometry. In college Krista attended Mass regularly with friends and instantly felt at home in the Church. After a college SEARCH retreat she realized that joining the Church was the journey she wanted to take. When she attended Mass at St. Juliana's, the same church that Robbie's parents attended while they were in college in California, she knew it was time to commit fully to her faith and St. Juliana's was the place to begin the RCIA journey. "Moving to the big city was one of the scariest, yet most exciting, times in my life! I've since embraced the adventure by moving to Brentwood and stepping outside of my comfort zone with game show fun and trying foods I still can't pronounce!" Despite an unpredictable work schedule and a 2 hour commute to Fullerton, Krista has endured through the "best decision (she) ever made." She is thankful for her sponsor, Robbie, and the loving support from both of their families.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
RCIA - Congratulations!
Congratulations to the newly Baptized members of our community, Cassie Karambela and Krista Lowary, along with those fully initiated through the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist, Chelsea Kashergen, Heather Lazaro, Kristin Orosco and Gene Riddle. May God continue to bless you and shine His love upon you.
What is next for those who entered the Catholic Church this Easter? All who were baptized and received into full communion are called Neophytes in this period, until the anniversary of their initiation next Easter. The final period of regular weekly faith formation extends through the Easter season, the seven weeks from Easter to Pentecost. This post-baptismal catechesis is called Mystagogy. It is a time of deepening the Christian experience, especially in appreciation for the sacramental life, for spiritual growth, and for entering more fully into the life and unity of the Catholic community. The Neophytes now share with Christ, and his Body in the parish community, the intimate communion of the Eucharist. We as a parish community pledge to help them grow and mature in the Christian life and to develop a genuine Catholic world view. Please pray for all those who God has called to join us as we continue on our pilgrimage to our Father in Heaven. For more information on RCIA at St. Juliana Church please contact the Parish Office.
What is next for those who entered the Catholic Church this Easter? All who were baptized and received into full communion are called Neophytes in this period, until the anniversary of their initiation next Easter. The final period of regular weekly faith formation extends through the Easter season, the seven weeks from Easter to Pentecost. This post-baptismal catechesis is called Mystagogy. It is a time of deepening the Christian experience, especially in appreciation for the sacramental life, for spiritual growth, and for entering more fully into the life and unity of the Catholic community. The Neophytes now share with Christ, and his Body in the parish community, the intimate communion of the Eucharist. We as a parish community pledge to help them grow and mature in the Christian life and to develop a genuine Catholic world view. Please pray for all those who God has called to join us as we continue on our pilgrimage to our Father in Heaven. For more information on RCIA at St. Juliana Church please contact the Parish Office.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
RCIA Candidate
Heather and her husband, Dave, have been married almost sixteen years and have three daughters: Alyssa (15), Isabella (8), and Keira (4). Dave is a cradle Catholic and the girls have all been baptized. They have been part of St. Juliana’s Parish for 11 years. Alyssa, a sophomore at El Dorado H.S., will be confirmed here in May, and Isabella, a 2nd grader at St. Juliana’s School, will receive her First Communion in May also. Keira will enter kindergarten in the fall.
Heather is an optometrist who graduated from the Southern California College of Optometry in 2003. She works out of two practices, one in Whittier and one in Orange.
Heather says, “I have found a home at St. Juliana’s and I am long overdue in taking the next step to be able to fully participate in the Mass and embrace the Catholic religion. I look forward to becoming involved in some of the ministries. Currently Dave and I are novices in the secular order of the Servants of Mary here at St. Juliana’s. My sponsor, Jamie Flynn, is also a novice and we are enjoying our religious journey together. “
RCIA Elect
Chelsea is a 20 year old Fullerton native and a student at Cal State Fullerton. Her childhood memories of St. Juliana’s Parish include the Fall Festival. She recalls encountering Father Jude amid the crowd, who told her mother in his brogue, “I see she lives by her hair - honestly.”
In her walk with God she began longing for the mystery of deeper communion. While searching for unity and healing from past conflict with her father, who died when Chelsea was 16, her friend Philip Shifflet invited her to daily Mass at St. Juliana Church. She is most grateful to him for exposing her to the practice of the Catholic faith.
“The charm of Catholicism enchanted me. I am captivated still. My life is filled with precious souls who encourage me on this journey; many belong to the parish; still others are friends and family. I am grateful to my mother for her passion, my sponsor, Gretchen Humberg, for her kindness, and my friend Jorge for his honesty. These and others are gems gifted from God.”
...and Chelsea has a voice that is a gift from God. You can join in singing with her at daily Mass.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Meet An RCIA Candidate
Gene Riddle was baptized in the Methodist Church in El Centro, CA, where he and his family were active members. During his senior year of high school he attended Saturday evening Mass with a friend and was fascinated by the Liturgy of the Eucharist. He even considered converting then but didn’t follow up.
After college Gene began working and married Mary Kay, who is Catholic, and they attended Mass only on Christmas and Easter.
Everything changed nine years ago when their daughter, Kate, was born nine weeks premature with many health issues. By the grace of God those issues have generally resolved themselves. Meanwhile they started attending St. Juliana Church regularly, after moving from Downey.
A couple of years ago Gene, seeking more wisdom, started reading the Bible, a real “page turner” for him. First he read all the gospels, then the next books of the New Testament, and then the first five books of the Old Testament.
Last year Kate received her first communion, which motivated Gene to go on the men’s retreat at Mater Dolorosa, which then convinced him to convert to Catholicism. “My conversion experience has been the best thing that I have ever done. It has changed my life for the better in many ways. It has helped me weather some serious health issues that both my mother and sister are currently facing by helping me gain strength through prayer.”
After joining the Church, Gene hopes to join the Knights of Columbus at St. Juliana and become more involved in the parish.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Meet An RCIA Candidate
Cassie was born and raised in Turlock, CA and attended the University of the Pacific in Stockton. When she started attending Mass at the campus Newman House, Cassie enjoyed serving the Newman community as a greeter and sacristan. In August 2010 Cassie moved to Fullerton to attend Southern California College of Optometry and decided that it was the right time to embark on this journey toward becoming a full member of the Catholic Church. She is very pleased to be part of the RCIA process at St. Juliana’s because of the vibrant and supportive community in this parish and the dedicated RCIA team and looks forward to following in the footsteps of the inspirational, involved and faithful people she has met here.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Meet An RCIA Candidate
Susan has been married to Fidencio “Feedy” for 18 years and they have one son, Nicholas, 16 who attends Servite High School. Nicholas was baptized last year and is in his second year of confirmation with the St. Juliana High School Ministry. Roe Weatherspoon is Nicholas’ sponsor. Feedy was raised Catholic and has recently returned to the Church. Susan was raised in a family that was Methodist and Christian Scientist; she volunteers at Servite High School.
Susan’s journey began when Nicholas decided to attend Servite and the Mares family joined St. Juliana’s. It was through Nicholas’ dedication and commitment that Susan found the religious experience she was seeking. “The Servite community and the parish at St. Juliana’s have been so welcoming and I appreciate everyone’s prayers as I continue my journey in RCIA”, said Susan.
Susan wishes to thank her sponsor, Wendy Cone, a long time parishioner at St. Juliana. They met through Servite and Susan has said that Wendy provides spiritual guidance and encouragement on a daily basis through their conversations.
RCIA Scrutinies
Every time we celebrate the sacrament of baptism, we ask the questions, “Do you renounce Satan? and all his works? and all his empty promises?” These are serious questions. We should consider them carefully before answering. And that is what the Elect, those preparing to be baptized at the Easter Vigil, spend much of Lent doing.
For those who are making their final preparation for baptism, Lent is a time of purification and enlightenment. They examine their lives in the light of God’s Word and ask the entire Christian community to pray that whatever is weak and sinful within them may be eliminated and that whatever is good and holy may be affirmed. And we do. After the homily, in a litany of intercession, we proclaim the power of Jesus over all sin. Then we pray over the elect for their deliverance and strengthening. The presider, catechists, sponsors and other members of the community also may lay their hands on the heads of the elect in an ancient sign of forgiveness, healing and empowerment.
And because the entire community will renew its baptismal promises at Easter, we too examine our lives in light of God’s Word. Of course, this is something we should be doing throughout the year, but we focus on this self-examination in a special way during Lent. In every community that will baptize adults or older children at the Easter Vigil, special rites known as the “scrutinies” are celebrated at liturgy on the third, fourth and fifth Sundays of Lent.
On these Sundays, the gospel readings are from the Gospel of John; they are the stories of the Samaritan woman whom Jesus meets at Jacob’s well, the healing and coming to faith of the man born blind and the raising of Lazarus from the dead. These readings have been used for centuries to prepare the Elect and the church for baptism. The readings focus on sin and redemption using the images of thirst and water, darkness and light, death and life. By examining ourselves through these readings, we come to know how we have become parched, how we have been blinded, how we have become deadened through sin. When we and the Elect are asked at Easter to renounce Satan, evil works and empty promises, our answer can be a thoughtful, strong and heartfelt “I do.”
For those who are making their final preparation for baptism, Lent is a time of purification and enlightenment. They examine their lives in the light of God’s Word and ask the entire Christian community to pray that whatever is weak and sinful within them may be eliminated and that whatever is good and holy may be affirmed. And we do. After the homily, in a litany of intercession, we proclaim the power of Jesus over all sin. Then we pray over the elect for their deliverance and strengthening. The presider, catechists, sponsors and other members of the community also may lay their hands on the heads of the elect in an ancient sign of forgiveness, healing and empowerment.
And because the entire community will renew its baptismal promises at Easter, we too examine our lives in light of God’s Word. Of course, this is something we should be doing throughout the year, but we focus on this self-examination in a special way during Lent. In every community that will baptize adults or older children at the Easter Vigil, special rites known as the “scrutinies” are celebrated at liturgy on the third, fourth and fifth Sundays of Lent.
On these Sundays, the gospel readings are from the Gospel of John; they are the stories of the Samaritan woman whom Jesus meets at Jacob’s well, the healing and coming to faith of the man born blind and the raising of Lazarus from the dead. These readings have been used for centuries to prepare the Elect and the church for baptism. The readings focus on sin and redemption using the images of thirst and water, darkness and light, death and life. By examining ourselves through these readings, we come to know how we have become parched, how we have been blinded, how we have become deadened through sin. When we and the Elect are asked at Easter to renounce Satan, evil works and empty promises, our answer can be a thoughtful, strong and heartfelt “I do.”
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Meet An RCIA Candidate
When Kristin married Andrew Orosco in the Catholic Church last summer, she was inspired to learn more about the Catholic faith. She came to Mass here in September and chose to attend RCIA classes at St. Juliana’s because of the community spirit and energy she witnessed. Kristin commutes from Menifee to attend Cal Poly Pomona and works at Lascari’s Italian Restaurant, which is her family’s business, and attend RCIA classes here. During this year she hopes to deepen her faith in preparing for the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation and later become involved in the parish community.
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