INTERVIEW

The parents of and the child seeking to become Catholic are required to have a conversation with a priest or deacon regarding their desire to enter the Church.  This will typically take place as soon as you register. It is a moment for the seeker to share their personal story and what has led to the decision to enter the church and/or express any questions that they may have.

Parent Involvement

As mandated by Archbishop Aquila, parents are to be actively involved in their children’s sacrament process.  This means they are expected to attend classes, assist with homework, and accompany their children through the many aspects involved in preparing for the sacraments. In addition to the four classes (see below), parents will be asked to attend one baptism class at Nativity.

Religious Education / Youth Group

During this year of preparation for the sacraments, the child will continue to attend (in-person) weekly Religious Education classes or youth group. This on-going faith formation will support the child through the community of their peers, priests and sisters. Additional support will be given through their small group designed just for students preparing for sacraments.

Four Classes for Child and Parents

Seekers and their parents are expected to attend four preparation classes and complete the assigned homework. The class dates will be provided at the time of the interview.

Homework

In addition to activities like going to the Cathedral for Mass and partaking in a family holy hour, seekers  are required to complete any homework distributed after they are registered. Parents and children are to work together on all homework assignments.

Godparent

Seekers choose a Godparent to accompany them during preparation and beyond. The Godparent cannot be the seeker’s parent.  A Godparent must be a practicing Catholic, be 16 yrs of age or older, if married, be married in the Catholic Church, and fully initiated by having received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist and be committed to helping the seeker lead a Christian life. Godparents must complete a Godparent Eligibility Form.

Mentor

Catholic Initiation seekers will be given a mentor to walk with them through the sacrament preparation process. Mentors, selected and assigned by the Catholic Initiation Director, are actively living their Catholic faith and serve as personal guides along the initiation journey.

Liturgical Moments

The steps of Catholic Initiation include a number of liturgical moments, during which those seeking to become Catholic are presented to the community, accepted as “catechumens,” and called to “election.” For detailed information on these steps, click here.

Sacraments

The Sacraments of Initiation are Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. Our Catholic Initiation Program prepares individuals for the reception of these sacraments as well as the sacrament of Penance. Catholic Initiation seekers will enter the Church through the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Communion during the Easter Vigil Mass.