How to join the Catholic Church:

The Catholic Church today wants to ensure that new members know how welcome they are.  Anyone desiring to join the Catholic Church should call the parish office (937-2385).  A staff member will get in touch with you as soon as possible. 

The process for joining the Catholic Church is called the “Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults” (RCIA).   The first part involves gathering together to discuss issues and/or questions new members may have about the Catholic Church.  It is a time to discover what it means to be a church, and an opportunity to hear how we can grow in a deeper relationship with God through prayer and faith.  The next step called “Catechumenate” focuses on discussing the Sunday Gospel and applying it to our lives.  The Catechumenate is basically training in the Christian life.  On the first Sunday of Lent, the Rite of Election is celebrated with the bishop and all others joining the Catholic Church throughout the diocese on Easter.  The final session provides the newly received and baptized with an opportunity to share how God touched them throughout their time together.  Opportunities to meet other Catholics and to become more involved in the life of the parish will also be provided.  After Pentecost, new members meet once a month for continuing formation in the faith.  The length of time an individual takes part in the entire process depends upon his/her growth in faith and living the Gospel.  This can vary from person to person.  Above all, we want our new members to enjoy the time of faith sharing and the company of other Christians. 

RCIA

The RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is the liturgical and catechetical process by means of which new members are initiated into the Catholic Church. Although designed initially for the non-baptized, the RCIA has been adapted to bring members baptized into other Christian traditions into full communion with the Catholic Church as well. The RCIA needs to be established both for adults and children of catechetical age (6 and above) who are to be brought into the Catholic Church on Holy Saturday through the reception of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. St. Joseph and St. Nicholas Parishes have a common RCIA.

Returning Catholics:  Simply call and make an appointment with the pastor to arrange a time to meet with him.  Typically the Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated upon one’s return to the Catholic Church.

How to get records:  Records of baptism and marriage may be obtained by contacting the business manager during regular office hours (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm), by phone or mail your request to St. Nicholas Catholic Church, P. O. Box 351, Santa Claus, IN, 47579-0351. 

Marriages:  Contact St. Nicholas Church offices at least 6 months prior to the wedding.

Reconciliation:  Friday mornings before 8:00 a.m. mass or by appointment.

Anointing of the Sick:  Celebrated during the Mass or by appointment.

Funeral Planning :  Funeral arrangements are usually made through the funeral director who will contact the pastor regarding times for the vigil and funeral Mass.  The deceased person may be waked in church.  A staff person will contact the family to plan the particular arrangements for the funeral.  The parish has a funeral booklet available for pre-planning.  For burial in St. Nicholas Cemetery, contact the parish office and you will be referred to someone on the Cemetery Board to make the proper arrangements.

CRHP (Christ Renews His Parish)

Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP) is designed to bring members of a parish together in Christ. Our commitments, including our commitment to Christ, need renewal if we are to be faithful. CRHP is an effective spiritual renewal process which calls together the members of the parish in order to experience personal conversion and Christian community on parish property. The "retreat" begins at 8 a.m. on Saturday and concludes at 3 p.m. on Sunday. One retreat is offered for the men of the parish in February and another in the fall; and, one retreat is offered for the women of the parish also in February and another in the fall.

             CORE TEAM
             Mike and Barbara Kane

             Jim and Lois Martin

             Rita Lovell