Baptism
The Sacrament of Baptism is the first step leading to full membership in the church. The church views the Sacrament of Baptism as much more than a once-given rite to take away original sin. Baptism is the beginning of a life of faith. This faith is a seed needing to be nurtured by the parents. In the ceremony itself the parents are asked if they are ready to show good example and raise the child in the faith.
The Baptismal Preparation Program seeks to offer the parents both the support of the community and an opportunity for reassessing their own faith and responsibilities to educate their children. The program offers parents a review of the history and theology of the Sacrament of Baptism, reaffirms their own faith, and offers the opportunity to share concerns and faith with other parents. The group meetings help parents realize the church's concern for them in their responsibility to raise their children as Catholic Christians.
Christian Initiation of Children - CIC
Who is it for?
Intended for children who have not been baptized as infants, have attained the age of reason and are of catchetical age, 7 to 15 years old. They seek Christian Initiation either at the direction of their parents or guardians or, with parental permission, on their own initiative. Such children are capable of receiving and nurturing a personal faith and recognizing an obligation in conscience.
What does Christian Initiation require?
Requires both a conversion that is personal and somewhat developed, in proportion to their age, and the assistance of the education they need. The process of initiation nus be adapted both to the spiritual progress; the children's growth in faith and the catechetical instruction they receive.
The initiation is marked by several steps: the liturgical rite of acceptance into the order of catechumens, penitential rites or scrutinies, and the celebrationof the Sacraments of Initiation.
What Sacraments do the Children receive?
The unbaptized will receive the three Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Holy Eucharist and Confirmation.
Baptized children who are completing their initiation in the Sacraments of Holy Eucharist and Confirmation will be prepared for the reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation before Confirmation and First Communion.
Contact Sr. Cornelia Ramirez, RVM at 780-463-8646 ext. 224
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After the welcoming and acceptance of the students in the CIC process, parents and their children continue to participate in the 10:30 a.m. St. Theresa Sunday Mass and the Wednesday classes at 7:00 p.m. Four will be baptized and 17 will receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Eucharist Easter Vigil - April 11, 2009 |
RCIA
Confirmation