St. John the Evangelist welcomes anyone who wishes to inquire about the Catholic faith. Maybe you have been attending Mass for a while and would like to learn more about the beliefs and practices of Catholics. You might be married to a Catholic, or you have a Catholic friend/relative and would like to discuss your questions or concerns about Catholicism with someone from the Church. Maybe you would like to fully explore the possibility of becoming Catholic. If so, you may speak with Father Ricky Varner, PatDuyck at 893-7126or Jane Grzegorczyk at 894-2701 extension 109 all of whom would be willing to be of assistance in telling you more about our Catechumenate Process, through which people are prepared to be initiated in the Catholic faith tradition. Here is some basic information about this process. The process begins when you are ready.

The Catechumenate is a process of taking a look at our lives and becoming more aware of how God is present and working in our lives and experiencing Catholicism so you can decide whether or not you are called to live as Christians within the Catholic faith tradition. Sometimes people refer to it as the RCIA (the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) which is the official ritual book of the Roman Catholic Church.

The process is open to those inquiring about the Catholic faith that may or may not be already Baptized; anyone who would like clarification about "Catholics"; why we do what we do, say what we say, and pray how we pray.

Who is a Catechumen?

A Catechumen is a person who has not been baptized and is learning to live the life of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. When accepted as a Catechumen, a person becomes an unbaptized member of the Catholic Church, while preparing to be fully initiated in the faith through Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. Catechumens are received into the Church at the Easter Vigil.

Who is a Candidate?

A Candidate is a person who is already baptized, and therefore initiated in the Christian faith that is shared with Catholics. It is someone who has made the decision to live that faith within the Catholic faith tradition, and is preparing to be received into the Catholic Church. When received into the Church, the Candidate is Confirmed, and participates in the Eucharist for the first time as a member of the Catholic Church. Baptized Catholics, who have not been instructed in the faith and have not received the Sacraments of Confirmation or Eucharist, are also called Candidates. The process is determined by a Candidate’s individual needs.

Can children become Candidates or Catechumens?

Any child who is seven years of age or older can become a candidate or a catechumen (according to the same criteria described for adults). However, catechesis for children or teens who become Candidates or Catechumens is determined on the basis of their age and individual needs, and they may or may not participate in all or part of the adult Catechumenate program.

Catechumens, preparing for Baptism, Confirmation and First Eucharist, participate in the Liturgy of the Word (the first part of the Mass) and then come together to share their understanding of the meaning of the Scripture readings for their own lives. Candidates, already Baptized, may also be dismissed after the Liturgy of the Word as they are not yet able to receive Holy Communion. Often, we meet during the week to ready ourselves to hear the Word of God and discuss Catholic beliefs and practices. All is based on the Holy Word of God. Whether you are the Catechumen, Candidate or Catechist (teacher), all have something to learn from one another. We, together, become forever students, of Jesus Christ and His Church. We share in parish prayer experiences as well as in service opportunities, and in parish life all of which helps us to grow in our individual faiths and to discern whether we would like to make a deeper commitment within Catholic faith.