News Flashes
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Are you a baptized Catholic interested in being Confirmed?
Are you a Confirmed Catholic who wants to learn more about your faith?
Frequently Asked Questions about RCIA
What is RCIA?
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process by which adults enter into full communion with the Catholic Church. Through a series of weekly evening sessions, participants are guided through a basic study of the Catholic faith and have the opportunity to ask questions, share their own faith journey, learn what it means to be Catholic, and open their lives to Jesus Christ. RCIA prepares men and women to make a conscious choice to receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation) through a prayerful study of Scripture, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, lives of the saints, documents of the Church, etc. Baptized Catholics who need to be Confirmed and lifelong Catholics who want to learn more about the Catholic faith are most welcome.
What is the necessary time commitment for RCIA?
The RCIA group meets every Thursday evening from September 4 to Pentecost (in late May). This is the primary time commitment, though there may be additional commitments depending on the individual's place in the process. We recognize that people are very busy and cannot likely attend every meeting, but it's best to be present for as many as possible because each session builds upon earlier sessions. Because these are the most important questions a human being can ask, we invote all participants to make the RCIA process a high priority for the year.
What if I'm not sure I want to become Catholic or be Confirmed?
No problem! We know that many people are "testing the waters" at first and encourage taking these questions very seriously. The RCIA process is designed to allow people to make small commitments until they feel ready to "take the plunge"! Around December or January we invite participants to make a stronger commitment to the journey, but we will talk about what that means at each stage. Those who decide they're not ready are still welcome to attend our weekly sessions.
If I'm already a Confirmed Catholic, is RCIA right for me?
Many of us stopped learning about our faith when we received the Sacrament of Confirmation in our early teens. Confirmationw as supposed to be the time when we chose the Catholic faith for ourselves, but many of us later realize that we didn't know all that much about it. Many people don't really engage in our spiritual journey until much later in life, and we continue to wrestle with difficult questions and wonder how it all fits together. RCIA is an opportunity for these people to explore their faith as adults and see it through the eyes of those experiencing it for the first time.
Where can I go for more information?
Contact John Knutsen at (510) 316-0973 or jdknutsen@yahoo.com, or just come to one of our Thursday evening meetings.
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Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Join us for the
2nd Annual Oktoberfest Dinner and Party
Hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Berkeley
When? Saturday, September 20, 2008
Happy Hour begins at 6:30 p.m., dinner at 7:30 p.m., and music and dancing will continue until 10:30 p.m.
Where? St. Mary Magdalen Parish Hall
Enjoy an authentic German dinner and dance to the Edelweiss Band!
Cost? $25 per person or you can sponsor a table for $200 (includes 4 dinner tickets and suitable recognition). If you purchase tickets by September 16, you will be eligible for a special door prize! Tickets may be purchased in the rectory office or after the Sunday Masses.
Dress in "authentic" German wear and have a chance to win tickets to next year's event!
Questions? Contact John Piercy at 510-843-6058.
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Thursday, June 5, 2008
St. Mary Magdalen Youth Ministry presents the Youth Group All-Nighter! All night with Jesus (and food and movies and games and midnight bowling) from 8:00 p.m. on Friday the 13th of June to 7:00 a.m. on Saturday the 14th. All 9th-12th graders are invited (especially the new 9th graders)! Permission slips are required and can be picked up in the parish office. (We are also in need of parents to help with transportation and chaperoning. Contact Jeremiah if you can help.)
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The Youth Group will be hosting a Father's Day Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, June 15th after all the Sunday Masses in the Parish Hall. All are invited to come and celebrate our fathers! The cost is $5 per person, though all fathers and children under 5 are free! Your generosity is encouraged as all proceeds benefit the Mary Magdalen Youth Group and high school Confirmation programs.
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Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Newly ordained Fr. Augustine Hilander, O.P. will celebrate the 8:00 a.m. Mass on Wednesday, June 11.
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Thursday, April 10, 2008
Correction to Bulletin:
The school and the church are planning a planting and clean-up party on Saturday, May 10. If you are interested, meet in the school yard at 9:00 a.m. and bring gardening tools!
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Wednesday, February 20, 2008
St. John the Evangelist takes on a powerful role in preparing us for the mystery to be revealed to us in the events of the Great Week - Holy Week.
Fr. Bruno will lead three meditations (one before lunch and two afterwards). Quiet time will be available to reflect on and prepare for the culmination of this holy season of Lent.
Because lunch will be served, we ask you to RSVP to the parish office (510-526-4811) no later than Wednesday, February 27.
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Tuesday, February 19, 2008
We are fortunate to welcome Bishop Allen Vigneron to our parish on Sunday, February 24. He will be presiding over and preaching at the 11:00 a.m. Mass.
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