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 (717) 872-2166.
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 8 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 7 – 12. These students attend class twice a month for two hours, from 6:30 – 8:15PM.
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.
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.