CHILDREN
A process for older children who would like to be baptized, confirmed or receive Holy Communion for the first time. Please call the parish office for more information at (705) 472-3970.
ADULTS
A process for adults who are interested in becoming a member of the Roman Catholic Church.
Christian Initiation of Adults Synopsis:
Period of Inquiry: This is a time of introduction to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and a time of reflection on one’s own life in light of the values of the reign of God. It is an unstructured time of no fixed duration for questions and an opportunity for the beginnings of Christian faith to form.
Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens: In this liturgical rite, those who wish to become catechumens publicly express their desire to follow the way of Jesus. The Church accepts their intention and welcomes them into the household of faith as catechumens.
Period of the Catechumenate: Along with the whole community, catechumens celebrate the liturgy of the Word at Mass each Sunday. After the homily, the catechumens and their catechists (teachers) continue to study and ponder the Scriptures and the teachings of the Church. During this time, catechumens receive anointings, participate in prayers of exorcism and blessing, and take part in the mission of the Church to the world. Through prayer, learning and coming to know other Catholic Christians, catechumens discover the love and power of God in their lives and in the Church.
Election or Enrollment of Names: At this liturgical rite, usually celebrated on the First Sunday of Lent in the cathedral of the diocese, the bishop formally acknowledges the readiness of the catechumens and calls them to the sacraments of initiation. The catechumens respond by expressing their desire for these sacraments. From this time, until they are baptized, they are called the elect.
Period of Purification and Enlightenment: This time of intense preparation for initiation usually coincides with Lent. During this period, the elect and the parish community together focus on conversion, scrutinize their lives in light of the Gospel and celebrate the presentations of the Creed and Lord’s Prayer.
Sacraments of Initiation: The elect become full members of the Body of Christ, the Church, through the celebration of the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist, usually at the Easter Vigil. From this time until the end of the period of mystagogy, they are known as neophytes, which means “new sprouts.”
Period of Mystagogy: During the 50 day season of Easter, neophytes ponder the experience and meaning of the sacraments and participate with the faithful in the Eucharistic life of the Church and its mission for justice and peace. Formation and teaching continue for one year to help the neophytes become incorporated into the full life of the Catholic Christian community.
If you are interested in this program, please contact the parish office at 705-472-3970.
Adult Initiation
Adults who wish to be Baptized, adults who were Baptized in a non-Catholic Christian Community and wish to become Catholic, or adults Baptized Catholic but who have not made their First Communion or Confirmation need to go through a preparation process.
The process of Adult Initiation is commonly called R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). The length and type of process depends on the individual’s circumstance.
Please call the office at 705-472-3970 to speak with the Pastor and set up a plan of action.
The content and length of the program depends upon your needs to make a full and informed decision to celebrate these sacraments in good faith.
Before preparation begins, regular attendance of church on Sunday is expected. Although non-Catholics cannot receive Holy Communion at Mass, you may still attend and participate in the prayers and hymns and get to know our parishioners.
As well, because Catholics believe in the sacredness of marriage as taught by Jesus, divorced and remarried people need to have their marriage “blessed by the church” before we can proceed. Further information will be given to you about this.
For the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation you will need a Sponsor who is a practicing and Confirmed Catholic. A Sponsor acts as a guide for you during the preparation process and as a witness of your sincerity and readiness at the celebration.
Baptism Video Baptism Video Homework Sheet
Eucharist Video Eucharist Video Worksheet
Transubstantiation Video Transubstantiation Video Worksheet
Confirmation Video Confirmation Video Worksheet
