The Diocese of Providence believes that religious education is a key element in the lives of all Catholics, an education that extends far beyond the walls of our Catholic schools and extends far beyond childhood. We believe that religious education is woven through our mission to proclaim the Kingdom of God through word, teaching, worship, community and service. We believe continued spiritual growth helps us maintain a healthy, holy balance throughout our lives.

In the Diocese of Providence, the Office of Religious Education provides consultative services directly to parishes – in both English and Spanish – for pre-school through adult religious education. The Office assists parish implementation of RCIA (the program for adults wishing to becoming Catholic - see "Additional Information" below). The Office sponsors numerous events and workshops and offers audio, video and text resources for all ages, available year-round, including summer Bible camps.

2010-2011 Office of Religious Education Calendar

Coordinator of Faith Formation: Ms. Michelle Laliberte
mlaliberte@dioceseofprovidence.org

Phone: (401) 278.4646
Fax: (401) 278.4645

 "SPECIAL RELIGIOUS DEVELOPMENT"
SPRED
Diocesan Administrator - Colleen E. Touchette
phone: 401-658-1174
fax:401-658-1257
email: spredprov@verizon.net
The Office of the Apostolate for the Handicapped in the Diocese of Providence provides services to persons with developmental disabilities through parish SPRED Communities.
Click here to visit our SPRED web page - there you'll find information about upcoming events and be able to access & read SPRED flyers & documents.

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

How Does One Become Catholic?

Most Catholics experienced the process of becoming a Roman Catholic in a very gradual way. Baptized as infants, they grew up in Catholic homes, received a formal religious education and gradually came to share in the full sacramental life of the church. Others who have been baptized in another Christian Church have become Roman Catholics after making a solemn profession of faith and receiving Confirmation and Eucharist in a parish community.  Some who have never been baptized have been initiated into the Catholic Church through a process that leads to Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.  The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the Church’s way to initiate new members.

If you are an adult Catholic who needs Confirmation or Eucharist, or if you are unbaptized or in another denomination and wish to join the Catholic Church, you may contact your local parish or the Office of Religious Education, at (401) 278-4646 or e-mail at lgulino@dioceseofprovidence.org

For more information contact Lisa M. Gulino in the Office of Religious Education.
(401)278-4646

Dates to Remember:

TEAM FORMATION:
Saturday, October 23, 2010
RCIA: The Evangelizing Power of the Rites and Rituals
Location: TBA        9:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.
The goal of the workshop is to assist you in building upon the foundation you already have in your parish for RCIA. The RCIA not only forms the candidates and catechumens but can also evangelize and catechize your entire parish community. How so? We will look at simple yet important moments to educate the faithful in your parish. Through Rite and ritual parishioners along with the catechumens can experience an awakening or deepening call to conversion and holiness.
 

Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion - Sunday, March 13, 2011 2:00 p.m. arrival   3:00 p.m.  Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul, Providence.

Retreat for Candidates, Catechumens, Sponsors and RCIA Team Members
Sunday, April 10, 2011 RCIA Retreat
Location TBA
1:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m.

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