Continuing Faith

Sacramental Preparation:
         Infant Baptism, Confirmation, First Eucharist,
                  Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults

Adults and children of catechetical age (usually grade 2 and above) who have not been baptized or, baptized, have not yet celebrated the Sacraments of Initiation (Confirmation and Eucharist) are welcomed annually into processes designed to prepare them for full initiation as well as to integrate them into the full life of the parish community.

Adults follow the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, which leads them through a deepening spirituality and faith formation over (usually) the course of a full year. They proceed through a series of liturgical rites, interspersed with periods of continuing growth, toward celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation.   Unbaptized Children over the age of 7, with their families supporting and helping them, follow a similar process adapted for their developmental level.

Middle-grade children, teens and adults who are baptized, have celebrated First Eucharist and are well-catechized may participate in an age-appropriate preparation program for the Sacrament of Confirmation.

For information on Sacramental Preparation, contact Sister Marianne Therese:  313-7006; smtwilk@juno.com.

Infant Baptism:

Baptism liturgies for 2008- 2009:
Sat., Sept. 13, 5:15, PM Mass
Sat., Nov. 22, 5:15 PM Mass
Sat., Feb. 14, 5:15 PM Mass
Sat., April 25, 5:15 PM Mass
Sat., June 27, 5:15 PM Mass

Parents desiring to present a child (0 - age 7) for Baptism should call to request an information packet and application. A schedule of preparation sessions for parents prior to the Baptism will be provided: Contact  Sister Marianne Therese (313-7006)

Confirmation and First Eucharist:

Since 1998, diocesan policy has established the renewed order of the Sacraments of Initiation:  1. Baptism, 2. Confirmation, 3. Eucharist. 

Baptized children (usually in grades 2 - 3) preparing for First Eucharist also prepare for Confirmation and the two sacraments are celebrated at the same liturgy. 

Individuals, both youth and adults, who have come into the diocese from other areas where Confirmation is still celebrated some years after First Eucharist are helped to complete the Sacraments of Initiation through a special renewal program  which emphasizes the unity of the three sacraments:  Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist. 

Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)

The process toward full participation in the life of the Catholic Church is not a program or a course of study.  Rather, it is a journey, step by step from initial interest and exploration to full commitment and a sense of new vitality.

The RCIA at St. Aloysius begins with a period of Adult Faith Inquiry, or Pre-catechumenate, during which each individual has the opportunity, in a relaxed atmosphere, to meet with others also interested in the faith and with members of the parish, to ask questions, share faith stories, and get better acquainted with other Catholics as real people praying and working together in community.  There is no time limit on this get-acquainted period; when an individual is ready for more serious commitment, he or she enters the Catechumenate or, for those already baptized Christians, the Candidacy for Full Communion.

The Catechumenate continues the journey through weekly gatherings that explore the Sunday scriptures and endeavor to help the Catechumens and Candidates deepen their awareness of God’s action in the world and in their own lives.  They are accompanied by members of the parish community who journey with them as Facilitators and Sponsors, there to assist, support and pray with the newcomers along the way. 

The Catechumenate should last as close to a full year as possible, since it is a process of growing and changing, something that takes time.

For those who are ready to be called to the Sacraments of Initiation, the Catechumenate concludes with Lent, a period of deeper prayer and preparation for the Easter celebration.  At the Easter Triduum, the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist are celebrated. 

For the period following Easter (50 days from Easter to Pentecost), the newly baptized celebrate their new life in the midst of the community and delve even more deeply into the mystery.  This time is called Mystagogia, a Greek word meaning “to explore the mysteries.”

Throughout the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, special liturgical rites call attention to growth and change:  the Rites of Acceptance and Welcome, the Rite of Election, the Scrutinies.  These rites are celebrated at the principal weekend liturgy of the parish with the entire assembly participating.  They become an important means for all the faithful to recognize the continuing faith journey in which we all participate.

For more information on the RCIA or its adaptation for children of school age, please contact Sister Marianne Therese (313-7006).  Call also if you are interested in sharing the ministry as a Facilitator or Sponsor.

New Inquirers are welcome at any time of the year.
Call 313-7006 for more information.