St. Mary Basilica will offer a Thursday evening study series on Catholic beliefs, rituals and practices beginning Thursday in the Family Life Center on Main Street. The program explores historical, theological and spiritual insights of the Catholic faith and enables participants to learn from one another’s life and faith experiences. This weekly program begins with a light dinner at 6 p.m., a presentation/lecture from 6:30 to 7:20 p.m., a short dessert break, and a question and answer component until 7:45 pm. The program is free of charge.

An invitation is extended to three different categories of individuals: persons who are without a church home or not satisfied with their present church affiliation and who are in search of a religious philosophy of life, and who are willing to seek answers within Catholicism; persons who are already Roman Catholic and who motivated by the spirit of Pope Francis want to update or refresh their understanding of the faith; and persons who were formerly connected to the Catholic Church through baptism or marriage or family of origin and who are now considering returning to the active practice of the Catholic faith.

The instructional aspect of this study program known as RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) will be held each Thursday evening. The fall phase of the study program, beginning on Oct. 6 and ending Dec. 1, will focus on the Apostles Creed. The presentations in this phase will address the understanding of God as creator, God as redeemer and God 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 will have an opportunity of participating in a second phase which begins on Dec. 8. This phase, from Dec. 8 until Feb. 23, 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 March 1 until Easter, will deal with the  commandments of God and their application to life today.

This phase will explore how the commandments shaped the life and teachings of Jesus, and how His teachings 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 Christian in the Catholic tradition. Participants will be familiarized with the scriptural foundation of the Church’s teachings as well as the creeds, proclamations of church councils and special documents from church leaders. Each phase of this study series will address the questions of the participants and will attempt to dispel any myths and misinformation regarding the Catholic faith.

My invitation to interested individuals is an open-ended invitation. I have no expectations from prospective participants, and individuals may withdraw from the study program at any time.  It is not necessary to register for this Thursday study series, and there is no charge for participating in any part or in the whole series.  Adult supervised babysitting will be provided. Anyone who needs further information may call the church offices at 601-445-5616 (St. Mary), 601-442-7250 (Assumption) or 601-445-5700 (Holy Family).

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