R.C.I.A.

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St. Mary, Rockport
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Fr. Calvey
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Depression Years
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Aspects of Parish Life
Pastorate of Fr. Kelly
Hunger Center
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R.C.I.A.
Pastoral Council
Reaching Out
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Year of Celebration
Parish Leaders
Daughter Parishes

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The baptismal font was installed in 1991 to accommodate adult converts Throughout a century and a half, the parish has provided instruction for those who wish to become Catholic.

Although some instructions were provided through office appointments with one of the priests, usually interested individuals would attend convert classes, which had been conducted by just one person, a priest or a nun. With Vatican Council II, the Church restored the catechumenate, a process that entails more than just instructions.

Slowly, beginning in the late 1970s, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.) was introduced in the parish. Besides providing instructions, this program also introduces the inquirer to the parish and its life. The instructions, the ceremonies and the involvement of a team of parishioners bring the catechumens more fully into the life of the Church. Through these ceremonies, the rest of the parish becomes involved in the renewal of their own faith.

A baptismal font, large enough for the immersion of adults, was erected in the church in 1991. Through this, the convert's entrance into the life of the Church is better symbolized.