Religious Education
Add Faith Formation/CCD and Confirmation Programs traditionally run from the Fall to the Spring. Classes take place on Sundays at the Social Center following the 10:30a.m. Mass, except for the Confirmation classes, which take place on Saturdays at the Social Center at 3:00p.m.
Participants are invited to join classes at any time, but to receive the sacraments of First Communion, you have to have been registered and attending classes by Oct. 26, 2025. Confirmation registration deadline to receive the sacrament of Confirmation in 2026 has already passed.
If the weather is stormy, please tune in to Channel 22 WWLP to see if classes are being canceled.
RCIA – Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults
For more information about joining RCIA, please call the rectory at 413-733-5823 ext. 123
Fact sheet
What is it? A journey in which adults become full, active, participating members of the Catholic Church
Adults
- grow in their relationship with God
- become familiar with Catholic teachings and practices
- receive all or individually needed Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist)
The Steps of the Journey
⮞ Period of Inquiry
How someone comes to consider joining the Catholic Church is unique to each individual.
- Desire to receive sacraments
- Marriage
- Faith experience or period of searching
⮞ Rite of Acceptance
This is called the Period of the Catechumenate
- Formal study of the teachings and practices of the Catholic Church
- The Church claims these men and women for Christ by signing them with the cross. Inquirers declare their faith
⮞ Rite of Election
Catechumens are
- Called to receive the sacraments by the bishop
- In Lent the elect, as well as the parish, pray in a special way to prepare them more fully for the sacraments.
⮞ Initiation and Mystagogia
On Holy Saturday, the Easter Vigil, the primary celebration of the Lord’s resurrection, the elect celebrate their baptism, confirmation, and/or first eucharist.
The journey of faith lasts a lifetime. The weeks after Easter are a time for new Catholics to seek out their place in the parish community.
If you have questions please feel free to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you.
Adapted from the R.C.I.A., Liturgical Publishings