St. Mary Basilica will offer a Thursday evening study series of Catholic beliefs and practices beginning with an overview and introduction today.

This is the study program through which individuals  who are interested in the Catholic faith learn about the church, its beliefs and practices as they discern whether they might want to join in full membership with our church community.

The orientation  meeting today will include a guided tour of St. Mary Basilica  at 6 p.m., and the overview of the Fall program.

Catholics wishing to update their understanding of the faith are invited; and during 20 years since this process began at St. Mary, large numbers of the church members have participated. The principal texts that give the background for the lectures will be the Bible and the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

The instructional aspect of this study program known as RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) will be hosted each Thursday evening.

The fall  phase of the study program, beginning today and ending Nov. 20, will focus on the Apostles Creed. These presentations will address the Catholic  understanding of God as creator, as redeemer and as Holy Spirit. Also addressed in these lectures will be topics such as the nature and mission of the church, prayer and life everlasting.

At the end of the first phase, individuals who are interested in further studies and who may be interested in becoming full members will be invited to participate in the second phase.

This phase, from Dec. 4 until Feb. 5, will address the sacraments of baptism, Eucharist, confirmation, marriage, holy orders, reconciliation and the anointing of the sick.

These are the sacred rituals through which Catholics believe that God works in people’s lives.

The third phase of the study series, from February until Easter, will deal with the Ten Commandments and their application to our lives. Beginning with their foundation in the Old Testament, this phase will explore how the teaching of Christ can be applied to the advances and developments of modern times, such as medical technology, nuclear warfare and ecology.

The final phase, from Easter until Pentecost, will focus further on prayer, spirituality and what it means to be a Catholic Christian.

Participants will be familiarized with the scriptural foundation of the church’s teachings as well as the creeds, decrees of church councils and special documents from church leaders. The different phases of the RCIA will attempt to dispel the myths and misinformation that surround the church.

I extend an invitation to interested individuals to come to St. Mary Basilica at 6 p.m. today.

You will hear how the architecture and floor plan of the Basilica reflect the theology of the Catholic church, how the stained glass windows are visual aids to teach and honor heroes of the faith (the saints), and how the worship service is structured around the scriptures and the Eucharist.

It is not necessary to register for this Thursday presentation, and there is no charge for this meeting or for the whole series.

Babysitting will be provided. Anyone who needs further information may call the church offices 601-445-5616 for St. Mary, 601-442-7250 for Assumption or 601-445-5700 for Holy Family.

 

David O’Connor is the pastor of St. Mary and Assumption parishes in Natchez.