RCIA
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a valuable part of our parish. People interested in learning more about the Catholic Church with the intent to join meet once a week for prayer, reflection on the weekly Scripture readings, and class. Catechumens, people who have never been baptized in any denomination, go through a series of rituals during the process, culminating in the celebration of baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation at the Easter vigil. Candidates, Christians who have been baptized but now wish to become Catholic, go through the same classes. Their full incorporation into the Church also comes at the Easter vigil with a profession of faith and the celebration of the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation. Christine Miller, Director of Religious Education (DRE), coordinates the program, along with a small team of parish volunteers. This year's class is still in the planning stages and no class date has been set as of yet. For more information, call the parish office at 872-2166 or email Christine Miller at cmiller@stphilipmillersville.org.

Religious Education Classes
Children who do not attend Catholic School must attend Religious Education classes on a regular basis. St. Philip's holds classes for children in Pre-school through Grade 12, but classes are mandatory for students in Grades 1 - 8. We encourage all our children to attend classes. We invite and welcome parental participation. Our staff consists of more than 30 volunteer catechists and assistants.

Classes are divided into three sessions. Children in grades Pre-school through Grade 12 may attend on Sunday mornings. "A" classes meet at 8:30AM from September through January, then shift to 10:00AM from January through May. "B" classes begin the year at 10:00AM and move to 8:30AM in January. There is also a Sunday evening option for students in Grades 6 - 12. These students attend class twice a month for two hours, from 6:30 - 8:30PM. The last 30 minutes of each Sunday night class is a time for youth ministry activties.

Although class is not required once Confirmation has been celebrated, we encourage our confirmed youth to continue their religious education. Confirmation in its very essence is a sacrament of initiation, so when you are confirmed, your religious formation is just in its beginning stages. Please consider joining us for High School class. Sunday night classes will once again feature a Youth Ministry component. Therefore, we encourage youth to attend the Sunday evening classes.

Registration
Registration for all classes is ongoing, however registration will also take place on September 19. Please bring your child(ren)'s baptism certificate(s). Contact Christine Miller, Director of Religious Education (DRE), for more information at (717) 872-2166 or email cmiller@stphilipmillersville.org. Returning students do not need to register.

Grade 2 Notice
Because of decreased numbers, there will only be one second grade class this year. This class will be held at the A time (Sunday morning sessions), beginning at 8:30AM in September.

Sacrament Dates for 2006 - 2007
Grade 2 First Penance and First Eucharist
First Penance - January 27 at 10:00AM
Parent Meeting (mandatory) - November 15 at 7:00PM
Children's Retreat - January 21 from 11:15AM - 2:30PM (No Religious Education Class for Grade 2)
First Eucharist - May 5 at 10:00AM
Parent Meeting (mandatory) - February 7 at 7:00PM
Children's Retreat - April 22 from 11:15AM - 2:30PM (No Religious Education Class for Grade 2)
Blessing Cup Night at Star Glazers - April 4 Arrive 5:00 - 6:30PM

Grade 8 Confirmation
Confirmation Parent & Candidate Meeting (mandatory) - October 18 at 7:00PM
Enrollment Mass - November 5 at 10:00AM
Confirmation Retreat - March 23 - 24 from 6:00PM(Fri) - 8:00PM(Sat) at Gretna Glen
Confirmation Practice for Candidates & Sponsors - TBA
Confirmation - TBA (April 2007)

Normal grades for the celebration of sacraments are Grade 2 (First Penance and First Eucharist) and Grade 8 (Confirmation). The Diocese of Harrisburg requires that these students be in RE classes for two years prior to celebrating the sacraments. Therefore, students must attend classes on a regular basis, both during Grades 2 and 8, and also during Grades 1 and 7. Students may not miss more than 3 Sunday morning classes or two Sunday evening classes per given year.

Religious Education Calendar 2006 - 2007
Sunday Morning (AM) Classes (Pre-School through Grade 12)

September 17 and 24	January 7, *21, and 28
October 1, 8, 15, and 29	February 4, 11, and 25
November 5, 12 and 19	March 4, 11, and 18
December 3, 10, and 17	April 1, 15, 22, and 29
	May 6

* Our schedule changes on January 21 as follows: those who attend class at 8:30 move to 10:00AM; those who attend at 10:00 move to 8:30AM.

Sunday Night Classes (Grades 7 - 12)
Any student in grades 7 - 12 may attend Sunday night classes. Youth Ministry will be incorporated into Sunday night classes. Contact Christine Miller at (717) 872-2166 or email cmiller@stphilipmillersville.org for more info.

September 17	January 21 and 28
October 8 and 15	February 11 and 25
November 12 and 19	March 11 and 18
December 10 and 17	April 15 and 22

Religious Education Catechists
Our parish extends a special thank you to all who have volunteered to serve as catechists in our Religious Education program. These men and women give several hours each week in service to our parish, with no pay and often very little thanks.