Catholic Sacraments

How Do I Become a Catholic?

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
The Church initiates new members into the Church through a program called the RCIA.  Usually this means a series of weekly instructional programs where people learn about the Catholic faith.  In many instances, this group involves a mix of those adults already Catholic, fully initiated (having already received the sacraments of initiation -- Baptism, Eucharist and  Confirmation), those who wish to complete the sacraments of Initiation (perhaps having been baptized but not confirmed) or those interested in deepening their faith or curious about the faith.For those who experience the call of God to become Catholic, the program culminates in the celebration of the sacraments at the Easter Vigil.
In most programs, there are a variety of people.  Simply attending classes doesn't obligate one to continue.  It is common that people might come into the program slowly, first learning what it means to be Catholic, then experiencing the community, and finally making the commitment being Catholic entails.

I was Baptized but didn't make my First Communion -- What do I do?
Generally, for adults, the process would involved entering into the RCIA program described above.  At the end of the process, one receives the sacraments of First Communion and Confirmation.

I am an adult and haven't been confirmed -- Now what?
The process is similar to the RCIA.  At the end of instruction, one would receive the sacrament of confirmation.

I've been away from the Church for awhile -- how do I come back?
It takes a lot of courage to come back to the Church.  But the experience of many is that they feel so much better once they have taken the first step. Oftentimes, people begin by going to Mass. As they get comfortable, they might meet with a priest, to discuss their particular situation.  The priest can provide helpful guidance as to what is available in the parish, and what might help the growth in spiritual life.   It can also be helpful to talk with people who go to Church.  They can talk about how their faith has grown with participation in Church life.
 

Sacramental Information

Baptism:
Is one of the three sacraments we refer to as the Sacraments of Initiation" because it marks the foundation and beginning of the Christian life. The Parish Priest along with the members of the Baptism Team conduct Baptisms three times a year during the months of February, June & October, dates to be announced. Parents are to attend a preparation meeting the week before. Please contact the office at 250-248-3747 to register.

 
First Communion:
For our children is celebrated in May of each year. When boys and girls make their First Holy Communion (usually in second grade), it’s a big occasion for Catholic families. Like their Baptism, the day of First Communion is one filled with family, friends, and feasting after the sacred event has taken place in church.
 
 
 
 

Confirmation:
Is the completion of baptismal grace. For by the sacrament of confirmation, the baptized are perfectly bound to the church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit (CCC 1285) 

Weddings:
A wedding is a celebration of faith, to mark an important beginning of new life together. As a celebration of faith, a couple is asking the church to recognize their faith in Jesus, and in one another. Couples planning to marry in this parish should give notice of at least six months before the proposed date. A Marriage Preparation Course is mandatory. Please call the parish for an appointment.

Reconciliation: 
On Saturday's at 4:15 – 4:45, before mass there is the opportunity for confessions. Other times can be arranged by appointment with the Parish Priest. Funerals are important celebrations of faith to help us get through difficult times of loss. The funeral home director is of great help in planning various aspects of the funeral, since they are usually quite aware of policies of the Church and the parish.

Religious Education:
The children of our parish are educated by dedicated volunteers who share the gift of the faith and their knowledge of it each week.

Mass Intentions:
Those who would like to request a Mass to be celebrated for a deceased loved one should contact the parish.
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