“Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures…were not our hearts burning within while he was opening the scriptures to us…and how he had been known to them in the breaking of the bread.”

Matthew 13:27, 32, 35

This committee is responsible for the ongoing education and formation of the entire parish, adults as well as children. It establishes and directs sub-committees to carry out the various programs necessary to accomplish a goal. This group meets monthly.

MARRIAGE PREPARATION

This group will assist the pastor in giving counsel to couples on the rites of marriage. Marriage preparation must be arranged six-months in advance and it is available to St. Rita and St. Luke parish members. The couples preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage will complete the FOCUS Inventory, and attend pre-Cana/Engagement Encounter.

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BAPTISM PREPARATION

Parishioners conduct classes quarterly for parents whose young children are to be baptized. The format includes an introduction, a twenty-minute video about the Rite of Baptism, an opportunity for parents to examine the importance of baptizing their child and raising them in the Catholic faith, followed by a question and answer period. Important information is gathered for official Baptismal records.

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PARISH MISSION/RETREAT/RENEW

Provides periodic missions, retreats or prayer & faith sharing sessions providing for people to reflect on God in their lives, thus giving them the hope to grow into a deeper relationship with God, to nurture their faith and to build small Christian communities within our larger parish community. The committee coordinates and directs efforts and preparations along with assistance from the pastor, the pastoral staff and the parish council.

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RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

For school children in grades one through eight. Classes are held on Sunday mornings. Catechists team teach and receive direction from the Catechist manual.

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RCIA/RCIC

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults/Rite of Christian Initiation of Children is a process of receiving into the Catholic Church those seeking membership. RCIA meets every Tuesday at 7 p.m. (September-April) for prayer and instruction. RCIC meets every Sunday morning. Many parishioners are needed to share faith.

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SPIRITUALITY GROUP

This group meets on Fridays (except holidays and summer) from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, to pray and share with one another. No one will impose their views on another and listen respectfully as we share. We use scripture, selected books, poems, etc., as guides for our group.

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ADULT FORMATION

Provides a variety of programs and activities that assist adult parishioners in developing a living, conscious, and active faith, as individuals and as a Christian community.

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SPIRITUALITY LIBRARY

Is available in the Reconciliation Room in the back of church. Books pertaining to our Catholic faith on multiple subjects may be taken out for a period of time and then returned to the library. The ministry entails tracking books and keeping the library functional and in order.