Lincoln, Neb., Sep 19, 2007 / 07:27 am
Throughout the Diocese of Lincoln, Nebraska, classes in the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) have or will be starting in the next few weeks. The free, weekly classes provide instruction to non-Catholics who are exploring the faith as well as Catholics who need a “refresher” course in basic catechism and non-practicing Catholics who are considering their return to full communion with the Church.
Many priests have been encouraging their parishioners to consider who they might invite to RCIA. Often, non-Catholics and non-practicing Catholics need that personal encouragement to make the first step. It was an invitation to “learn more” that brought Jim and Roddy Spangler to RCIA in the fall of 1994. They are now members of St. Joseph Parish in Beatrice, Neb.
In the early 1990s, the Spanglers were still Protestants, as they had been raised. After moving to a Lincoln neighborhood near the Cathedral of the Risen Christ, they practiced their faith haphazardly, attending “the closest Protestant church” whenever it was convenient.
As Jacob was preparing to enter kindergarten and 11-year-old Nellie was just a year or so away from middle school, the Spanglers grew concerned about the size of public schools. Mr. Spangler researched Lincoln’s private school options and determined that the Catholic School system was the best choice for their children.