Dear Fellow Parishioners, At the reception following the Easter Vigil, we celebrated with the nine people who received their Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and First Eucharist). It was a wonderful gathering, rejoicing in the gift of faith and the building of community. At my table someone asked about the process of becoming Catholic, and why two people were not baptized but were Confirmed and received First Eucharist. The Catholic Church recognizes the Baptism of many other Christian religions, those in particular who use the formula from Jesus command to his disciples in Matthew 28:19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” One of our candidates was baptized in the Catholic Church but had not received her other sacraments of Initiation. The other was baptized in the Episcopal Church. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is offered to individuals and families who wish to enter into full membership in Catholic Church, and to Catholic adults who may not have completed their Sacraments beyond Baptism and/or First Eucharist. Instruction begins in October by meeting twice per month after one of the Masses with Deacon Tom and is fully celebrated at the Easter Vigil. If you are interested in participating, please call the office and we will be happy to get you started or answer any questions you may have. Several people have shared that they are lifelong Catholics and long to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, but feel they are just going through the motions. Be not afraid! A group of parishioners have been participating in an Alpha Pilot in order to offer ALPHA sessions beginning in the fall of this year. Alpha is a series of interactive sessions to help explore the basics of our Catholic faith by looking at the different faith questions. It also helps us to get to know one another and bond as members of our Catholic Community. More information will be forthcoming as we finish preparations for introduction to the larger community. I hope many will consider participating in an Alpha program. We are all in different places on the faith journey. Let’s support each other along the way. I can’t wait to put up the "Thank You" again for Partners in Charity. We are almost there. Last count, we reached 87% of our goal with $7,000.00 more to go. If you have not made a onetime donation or a pledge, please help us out. We can do it only when we all participate. Happy Easter everyone! Fr. Bill