The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) serves multiple needs. Those who have never been baptized in any Christian community are gradually prepared for the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist). Christians of other ecclesial communities, those with no church affiliation, or Catholics who have drifted away from the practice of their faith are offered the opportunity to deepen their faith commitment. It is also a way for adult Catholics who have not received Confirmation to prepare for this Sacrament. Lead by the RCIA team, members of the parish community accompany candidates on a journey of faith, helping them learn about the Catholic Church and her practices and beliefs. Candidates meet weekly with the team beginning in early September and continue until the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night at which time they receive the Sacraments and are welcomed into full membership the Catholic Church.
Parish-wide participation is important to the success of the RCIA process. Prince of Peace parishioners are encouraged to inquire about serving on the RCIA team,; serving as sponsors or being “prayer partners” for our candidates. RCIA team members lead the classes and discussions; having previous experience in teaching or faith formation is helpful, but not a requirement. Sponsors serve as mentors for the candidates on an individual basis, offering support and spiritual guidance but are not expected to lead classes or give lectures. Prayer partners are assigned to individual candidates, privately praying daily for them as they deepen in their faith. No experience is necessary to be either a sponsor or a prayer partner, just a desire to share one’s Catholic faith with someone else.
Contact Marilyn Vahovich by telephone at (813) 634-2328 or by This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Catechetical instruction and sacrament preparation is offered to all children of families who are registered at a Catholic church. Classes meet in small groups on Saturday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. in Conesa Center beginning in September and ending in May. First Reconciliation and First Communion are typically received in Second Grade with the First Grade class being a preparation year. A special two-year class is offered for those older students who are in need of these two sacraments. Confirmation is received, typically, in Ninth Grade and is basically a three-year commitment; a Seventh Grade preparation year with two years devoted to studying for Confirmation. New teachers / catechists / aides are always welcome to volunteer to help with our Faith Formation classes.
Contact Pat Wolfert, Director of Children's Faith Formation by telephone at (813) 634-2328 or by This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .