CHRISTIAN FORMATION

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN RCIA?

Last weekend here at St. Benedict’s, some of our candidates are completing the initial formation period of the R.C.I.A. called

The Inquiry period. The R.C.I.A. RITE OF WELCOME,  the first ritual process also known as the Rite of Acceptance,

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celebrated at the 8:30 a.m. Liturgy.  In this Rite we, as a faith community publicly welcome them into our midst as they state

their desire to become  members of our faith community.  We  ask that you keep them in your prayers as well as those

preparing them to enter into the Church as they continue their journey toward the Easter sacraments!

We welcome our candidates Kaitlyn & Joshua Bathras,

and catechumen Justin Bathras!

INTERESTED IN BECOMING A PART OF THE CATHOLIC FAITH?

The Catholic Church invites you to come and see!

Are you interested in learning more about the Catholic Church?

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Are you un-baptized but recognize a need for spirituality in your life?

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Are  you  baptized  into  another  religion  or  into  the  Catholic  Church,  but  have  never

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received any formal religious education?

Are you married to a Catholic and attend Mass but just don’t know what the next step is

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to become one of the Catholic faithful?

Are you yearning for something more in your life?

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Maybe you have been looking for enrichment in your life in all the wrong places.

Rite  of  Christian  Initiation  for  Adults  (RCIA)  is  the  place  for  you.  Every  year  adults  are  welcomed  into  the  Catholic

Community through RCIA. It is a learning and loving process in which conversion of the heart brings you to Jesus Christ who

is our Lord and Savior.  “Come to me, all you who are weary and find life burdensome, and I will refresh you. Take my yoke

upon your shoulders and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart. Your souls will find rest, for my yoke is easy

and my burden light.” (Matthew 11:28-39).   For more information on becoming a Catholic, call the parish Office of Religious

Education at (410) 634-1921.

MARDI GRAS PLANNING SESSION

Next Sunday, February 12th, we invite you to join us in our planning session for our next upcoming community event – our

annual  MARDI GRAS  PARTY!  The planning session will take place after the 8:30  Mass at one of the back tables in the

Parish Hall while the children are in class. We will discuss upcoming plans for the Mardi Gras Party, which will be held on

Sunday, March 6th for our “Super Sunday”. (The Sunday prior to the beginning of Lent).

KOMMOTION 2006 RALLY

Attention  Jr.  High  Youth!  Don’t  miss  this  year’s  KOMMOTION  on  Saturday,  April  1st  at  St.  Thomas  More  Academy  in

Magnolia, DE.  Join Jesse Manibusan as he leads the young people in prayer and song and as we celebrate a “learning

liturgy” together.  This Junior High Rally, sponsored by the Office for Catholic Youth Ministry of the Diocese of Wilmington,

will feature lunch, games, a keynote presentation, Mass and a dance. The cost is $20 and the deadline to register is just

around the corner. To sign up, please fill out the paperwork that will be sent home and send it back through your teachers or

to the Office of Rel. Ed. We are looking forward to 100% participation from all students!

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATIONS

CONFIRMATION

Our next scheduled session for all Confirmation candidates is Saturday, February 18th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This will

be our Service day, so come prepared to do a little work! We will begin by  meeting in the  Parish  Hall at 9:00 a.m. Any

parents that would like to help by driving to our destinations, chaperoning or help with our projects please contact the Office

of Religious Education.

FIRST EUCHARIST PREPARATION

On  Sunday,  February 26th

we will hold our  Candidate  Presentation  Ceremony for all children

eligible  for  First  Eucharist.  It  will  take  place  at  9:45  in  the  Great  Room  area  (outside  of  the

classrooms). All candidates should be present, including those students who are attending a

Catholic  School.  In  this celebration we, as a faith community,  publicly welcome them  into our

midst as they state their desire to enter into the process of preparing for First  Eucharist in our

faith community. We ask that you keep them in your prayers as well as those preparing them to

enter more fully into the Church as they continue their journey toward this sacrament!

Our first session for First Eucharist will be held on Tuesday, March 7, 2006 at 6:30 p.m. in the Family Life Center Hall and

the Great Room. All families should have received an information letter in the mail. Parents are reminded that sign-up sheets

for the  Celebration  Masses will be available on a first come- first serve basis.  Program folders will be distributed.  The

program material and schedule will be reviewed and a reflection on Eucharist as Sacrament will follow.

SUNDAY MORNING PICK ME UP PRAYER!

Dear God,

Another Sunday morning to roll my family out of bed.  The older kids resent my responsibilities and the burden it puts on

them.  It’s so hard sometimes, but even this commitment is a blessing, God.  If I didn’t have to be there it would be too

tempting to give in and stay home.  In a way I am teaching my family also – about responsibility and commitment, and the

importance of meeting with other Catholics.  Even though it may be a chore now, maybe Sunday morning church will grow

from a habit to meeting a real need for them as adults.  Thank you God for this mixed blessing; and would you mind sending

one of your thunder bolts down to wake them up?