Other Diocesan Programs

Children's Liturgy Workshop 2009 (Click here for details)

Family Day 
photo gallery 2007 (Click here)
photo gallery 2006 (Click here)

Diocesan Congress

Twice a year, at the call of the bishop, this diocese holds a Diocesan Congress. Its purpose is to provide clergy, religious and the laity with opportunities to receive on-going adult faith formation.
The Congress is generally held on a Saturday at St. Alfred¹s Pastoral Centre in St. Catharines. Pastors, invited representatives from parishes, diocesan organizations, religious orders and the school community come together to discuss various topics. Some topics the Congresses have dealt with have been: developing a diocesan mission statement, prayer, scripture, the role of Jesus Christ, ecumenism, social justice, youth ministry and evangelization.

For information on the date and topic of the next Diocesan Congress please check the diocesan announcements.

Faith Formation for Teachers

The Diocese of St. Catharines and the Niagara Catholic District School Board (NCDSB) co-sponsor a program of religious faith formation for teachers of the NCDSB. It has been a highly successful evangelization program for the evangelizers in our schools.

Fr. Jim Mulligan, a Holy Cross Father, animates this program throughout the school year. Feel free to contact Fr. Mulligan for more information at 905-714-1473 or FAX 905-714-9696.

High School Chaplains

The 9 Catholic high schools of the Niagara Catholic District School Board each has a chaplain, approved by Bishop John O¹Mara, who provide valuable services to the staff, students and parents. The co-ordinator of chaplaincy services is Fr. John Vickers, whose office is at the NCDSB. Contact Fr. Vickers if you have any questions or comments at 905-735-0240 ext. 130.

Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is a parish-based program for those wishing to explore the Catholic faith. RCIA, rather than private instruction, is the normative way for people to become initiated into the Church in the diocese of St. Catharines. While the program may lead to a person joining the Catholic Church, it is not necessary for that to occur for those who may only wish to learn more about the Church.

Most RCIA programs have a co-ordinator who often is the catechist. The clergy, as well as many others, are usually on the RCIA team. Sponsors also play a significant role in journeying with the person inquiring about joining the Church. Many parishes in the diocese have an RCIA program. To determine if the parish nearest you does have it, please go to our parish page and contact the pastor. If it is not presently available in the closest parish, feel free to contact the next nearest parish.

While most programs are usually held each year from September until after Pentecost, it is possible to begin RCIA at any point during the year. The diocese celebrates a couple of important milestones for those who choose to be initiated into the church as a result of this program.

The Rite of Election is held at the Cathedral of St. Catherine of Alexandria on the 1st Sunday of Lent. Catechumens (those unbaptized in any faith) are presented to the bishop by each sponsor, and then these catechumens write their names into the Book of the Elect. Candidates (those baptized in another faith) receive a special blessing at this same event.

The Mass of the Neophytes is celebrated at the Cathedral after Pentecost to welcome all those who entered into full communion with the Roman Catholic Church at Easter and who completed the additional formation in the faith from Easter to Pentecost.