Adult Inquiry Class

Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life…” (John 14:6).
 
The purpose of the Inquiry Program is for those considering becoming Christian, for non-Catholic Christians wishing to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church, for Catholics needing to complete their Sacraments of Initiation into the Catholic Church, or for Catholics returning to the practice of the faith.  This program will help the participants to understand the basics of what the Catholic Church teaches, why it does so, and what this teaching means for one’s daily life.  The program is also suitable for Catholics already in full communion as a way to brush up on their faith.

The Inquiry Program goals are to guide each interested person to understand and embrace the Catholic Way, the Fullness of Truth and the Sacramental Life of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.

The flow of Inquiry Program lessons is designed to explain the basic elements of the Catholic faith and to show how these elements all fit together.  Lessons begin by discussing truth, authority, the deposit of faith and sources of God’s revelation to man.  Salvation history is discussed in light of our understanding of the Trinity, God’s Creation and the creation and fall of man.  Special emphasis is placed on the Sacraments of the Catholic Church and meaning of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.  Other topics include the tenets of the Creed, the moral life and its social implications, prayer and the spiritual life and the last things (death, judgment, heaven and hell).

While our Inquiry Program serves the same purpose, it differs from the Right of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA).  Our inquiry program contains the catechetical content prescribed for the RCIA, but it is not scheduled according to the liturgical year and it does not use the liturgical rites of the RCIA.  It is a one semester, 17-lesson program which presents the breadth of the Catholic faith based on the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and Sacred Scripture.  It is offered once in the fall and then is repeated again in the spring. 

The Inquiry Program is presented by catechists from Our Lady of the Atonement who are also there to accompany each participant in their specific needs, questions and concerns.  Attendees who complete this program will be well prepared to make their commitment to the Catholic Church.  Reception into the Catholic Church and/or completing the Sacraments of Initiation are scheduled on an individual basis when each person determines he is ready, in consultation with the Pastor or his representative.
 
Fall 2021 Inquiry Class Schedule
 
Contact: Alan Becker  at (210) 273-9426 or alanmbecker@gmail.com