Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church

Becoming Catholic

Those who are interested in becoming Catholic may do so by one of two means. Those who have never been baptized enter into the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) for a process of one or more years of formation in community with others on a similar journey of faith, led by a team of catechists and pastoral staff members. A period of inquiry, during which questions are freely asked and answered, usually precedes the initial commitment to the RCIA process.

participate in much of the RCIA process.

The Catholic Church welcomes every person who feels called by Christ to become a part of His Body, the Church. As a part of this welcome, each individual experience is evaluated carefully, so that the best possible process of formation in the Catholic faith will be the result.

While a previous marriage is an impediment to full initiation in the Catholic Church, help with the annulment process is readily available, and there is almost no situation without a solution.

Contact any pastoral staff member or parish priest, or email Sandy Hooper, maryeh@cox.net for more information. Catechists and staff work closely together with each individual.

Those who are already baptized in another Christian faith may choose to enter into the RCIA or may explore other means of entering the Catholic Church by consulting with a pastoral staff member. Factors to be considered include the current practice of one’s original faith as well as the original faith’s degree of connection or similarity with Catholic practices.

Those who have been baptized, Catholic or otherwise, but have not practiced any faith regularly or consistently, will usually

Faith Forum

Faith Forum is a monthly gathering for a brief presentation, small group discussion, and large group reporting, on a topic of general interest in the parish or the larger Church. Formal presentations are brief, small group discussions are guided and lively, and the large group session is always informative. Refreshments are included at the end of each session. Faith Forum meets on the first Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the church, and each session is repeated the following morning, Tuesday, 9:15 a.m. in the Family Chapel of the church. Faith Forum is suitable for all parishioners of high school age and up.

Sacrament Preparation Click here for complete information

Preparation for first-time celebration of various sacraments is provided on an age-appropriate basis. Programs for children are designed for groups or classes, along with their parents. Programs for adults are customized to each adult’s circumstances and experience.

Faith Formation for Children (FFC) 2009-2010

Classes begin Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Registration continues through October 7, 2009

FFC is a faith formation program for children in grades 1 -6 who are enrolled in either public school or a non-Catholic private school. Classes are held on Wednesday afternoons during most of the school academic year from 3:45 to 5:00 p.m. in English for grades 1 - 5. Sixth grade class begins at 4:15p. Classes in Spanish are held from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Registration will continue through October 7, 2009. Contact Rosa Rama at rrama@olfchurch.net for more information.

Wednesday "Waiting Room"

Parents of children in the parish FFC program are invited to gather in the Modular building during FFC for an informal discussion of topics of interest – current events, your children’s faith formation lessons, sacraments, living as Catholics – it’s up to you. Stop in Wednesday 4:00 to 5:00 pm at the Modular building after you drop off your children!

Liturgy of the Word for Children Click here for complete information

This liturgy takes place during the 9:00 Mass on Sunday mornings. Children in grades K through 4 are sent from the main assembly to a nearby space where they celebrate the Liturgy of the Word in a simplified, yet equivalent format.