Our Lady of Consolation Catholic Church at 4865 11 Mile Rd NE, Rockford, MI 49341 US - Becoming Catholic

• People who hunger deep within themselves to come into better relationship with God through Jesus Christ and His Church
• People who have been contemplating joining the Catholic Church but have been putting it off for some reason or other
• People who have not had the opportunity to complete the Sacraments of Christian initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and First Eucharist)
• People who are looking to belong to a faith community

We invite you to "come and see" as we journey together toward the Easter sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. Our Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) program is available year-round.

The first part of the process, known as "Inquiry" usually involves participating in some informal presentations and discussions on what it means to be Catholic.

Once an inquirer has decided to "take the next step," the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens and the Rite of Welcoming Candidates is celebrated at a Sunday Mass.  "Assembling publicly for the first time, the candidates who have completed the period of inquiry declare their intention to the Church and the Church, in turn, carrying out its apostolic mission, accepts them as persons who intend to become its members" (RCIA, 75). This ritual is celebrated three or four times a year.

The catechumenate is an extended period during which the candidates are given suitable pastoral formation and guidance, aimed at training them in the Christian life. We generally meet as a group on Wednesday evenings in the Elizabeth Ann Seton Room (in the main church building, use north doors). Also during this period, the catechumens and candidates will sometimes be dismissed from Mass after the Liturgy of the Word to further reflect on the Scripture readings of the day. The duration of the catechumenate will depend on the grace of God and on various circumstances, but it may last up to a year or more.

The next step in Christian initiation is the liturgical rite called both election and the enrollment of names, which closes the period of the catechumenate proper, that is, the lengthy period of formation of the catechumens’ minds and hearts. The celebration of the rite of election, which usually coincides with the opening of Lent, also marks the beginning of the period of final, more intense preparation of the sacraments of initiation, during which the elect will be encouraged to follow Christ with greater generosity. (RCIA, 118).

The period of purification and enlightenment, which the rite of election begins, customarily coincides with Lent. In the liturgy and liturgical catechesis of Lent the reminder of baptism already received or the preparation for its reception, as well as the theme of repentance, renew the entire community along with those being prepared to celebrate the paschal mystery, in which each of the elect will share through the sacraments of initiation. For both the elect and the local community, therefore, the Lenten season is a time for spiritual recollection in preparation for the celebration of the paschal mystery (RCIA, 138).

Initiation usually takes place at the Easter Vigil with reception of the Sacraments of Initiation - Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. Those who have been validly baptized in another Christian tradition may be admitted to full Communion at other appropriate times during the year.

The Period of Mystagogy (also called Mystagogia) is a time of postbaptismal catechesis that is meant to help the neophytes (newly initiated) reflect upon the Sacraments they received and also for the Christian community to reflect upon the Paschal Mystery celebrated at the Easter Vigil.

We have scheduling options based on individual needs for those who cannot make it on the regular days and times. Please contact Tammy Graves at 866-02577 ext 210 to discuss your situation.

Already Catholic?

If you are a practicing Catholic from our neighborhood and would like to join the parish, please contact the parish office, 866-0931.  You may also fill out the registration form and return it to the parish office. Please fill out the welcome survey, to indicate your interest in various parish ministries and activities. Why join a parish?

• If you need to be baptized, confirmed, married or have a child baptized, you will need a church. Some people believe that if they are baptized here, or went to Faith Formation class here, they are automatically a "member" of the parish. This is not true. We want you to be a registered member of the parish, offering your gifts of time, talent and treasure in a spirit of stewardship.
• If your family is registered in the parish, and you have graduated from high school or college and/or are employed full time, please let us know that you wish to be registered as a separate family unit.

We look forward to meeting you! 

Already a Member?

If you are registered as a parish member and want to get more involved in our efforts, please call any of our ministry leaders to volunteer.  You may also contact any of our staff members to find out a way to get involved.  We hope you will join one of our ministries.

If someone in your family is hospitalized and you would appreciate a visit, please call the parish office at 866-0931.

Other Resources:

Non-Catholics and Holy Communion

Once Catholic - A Catholic Site for Seekers

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