Religious Education
Our Religious Education programs support and enrich the religious foundation developed by the parents in the family.
Immaculate Conception provides religious education classes for all students (1st grade through 8th grade) who are not attending Catholic schools. Classes are held on Wednesday evenings from 6:45 to 8:00 p.m. Two years of religious education classes are required for first reception of the Sacraments of Penance, Holy Eucharist, and Confirmation.
If Cedar Rapids public schools are cancelled on a Wednesday, Religious Education will also be cancelled that evening. There will also be an announcement on the parish website home page and Flocknote.
To register for Religious Education classes, call Mary Ann McEniry at 319-362-7181.
Becoming Catholic / RCIA
The initials RCIA stands for the "Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults." RCIA is a program of the Catholic Church oriented towards those who are searching and inquiring about becoming Catholic.
Adults who wish to be initiated into the Catholic Faith through the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist journey through an eight-month period of formation in the RCIA program. The sessions begin in the fall, generally one night a week on a day that best works for the candidates. These individuals study the doctrines of the Catholic Faith, participate in retreats, and celebrate several liturgical rites that mark passages in their journey of initiation. All are received into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil Service on Holy Saturday.
RCIA sponsors must be in “good standing” with the Catholic Church and have no impediments to the reception of Holy Communion.
To register or to obtain more information, call the parish office at 319-362-7181.
Confirmation Program
Our Confirmation program is specifically developed to engage young Catholics in a meaningful conversation about the genius of Catholicism. It teaches and inspires teens to respond to God’s grace and to be open to the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.
If you are interested in having your young person confirmed, or if you are an adult who has never received the Sacrament of Confirmation and would like to learn more about the Catholic Faith, please call Christina at the office @ 362-7181, ext. 112 or 319-573-8162.
Baptized youth who have been regularly attending formal religious formation classes either in Catholic schools, parish religious education programs, or sanctioned home-school programs for the last two years, and will be age 15 by the date of Confirmation, are eligible to register for the parish-based program of preparation for the sacrament. The youth program normally runs through the school year from September through May.
Confirmation sponsors must be in “good standing” with the Catholic Church and have no impediments to the reception of Holy Communion.
Bible Study
Current study: Romans: The Gospel of Salvation
Immaculate Conception is currently offering Ascension Press' newest bible study: "Romans: The Gospel of Salvation." This 8-week, video-based study is running from January 5 to February 23. St. Paul’s letter to the Romans has been at the center of reflection, conversion, and controversy from the very beginning. In Romans: The Gospel of Salvation, theology professor Dr. Andrew Swafford and Jeff Cavins provide an authentically Catholic, comprehensive, and simple way to understand the overarching theme of Romans—salvation. This study will cover how to explain salvation to non-Christians, what is required for salvation—faith or works, what Paul really means by “works” not leading to salvation, and how we can enter more deeply into Christ.
Stay tuned for our next Bible Study this fall (2020)!
