Every year as the new program year is about to begin Catholic Churches all over the United States begin to talk about RCIA, the Rites of Christian Initiation of Adults.  Every year pulpit announcements are made inviting those who would like to know more about the Catholic Faith to attend RCIA sessions beginning in the Fall.  Yet during this time of crisis in the Church fewer and fewer people seem to be interested in learning more about the Catholic faith.  Perhaps we say to ourselves, “well, what can I do about it?”  Actually quite a lot.
                If someone were to ask you, “What is the most important thing in your life?”  My guess is that most of us would say, “My faith.  My belief in God.  My faith in the sacraments.”  Yet if we were each asked, “How well can you articulate your faith?  Would you feel comfortable helping someone who knows little about what Catholics believe learn about what the things you trust in, believe in, and how and why you worship? 
                When was the last time you, as an adult, spent time investigating your own faith and its practices?  When you were confirmed?  In a college religion class?  While we expect our doctors, attorneys, bankers, IT people, even our grocers to stay informed on the ins and outs of their respective fields, do we take the time or make it a priority to know as much as we can about the very thing that has an eternal effect on and for our lives? 
                Perhaps this is the year to make the choice to learn more, understand more, and deepen your experience in your own Catholic faith.  Our baptism calls us all to become the very Word of God, alive and effective in the world.  Our world is crying out for God’s Word, for hope, and for peace.  The more we know about our own Catholic faith the more effective we can be, especially in this time of crisis when so many see the sin of the Church and are blinded to the presence of Christ which has held us together for 2000 years.  RCIA has something to offer you.  Perhaps you have something to offer those who do not yet know Christ in the Church.