Christian Initiation

Are you unaware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus  were baptized into his death?  We were  indeed buried with him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was  raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live in newness  of life.

Romans 6:3-4

Adults who wish to be baptized should contact the pastoral associate for faith formation at the parish office and/or begin meeting with others who meet after the 10:00 a.m. Sunday Mass for about an hour and a half. After spending a suitable time in the Precatechumenate or the period of Evangelization, the person would be invited to celebrate the rite of acceptance into the Catechumenate, as he/she continues the journey of faith toward initiation into the Church.

Adults who are already baptized Christians should also contact the pastoral associate for faith formation at the parish office and/or begin meeting with others who after the 10:00 a.m. Sunday Mass for about an hour and a half. Since the person is already baptized, he/she will not be baptized again, but may be invited to follow a similar process as those preparing for baptism, especially if the person needs to learn more about what it means to the a Catholic Christian.

Christian Initiation for Children (Catechists) – Janie Allen-Blue

Children, over the age seven, who are seeking to deepen their relationship with God by joining the Catholic Church, prepare for the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and eucharist or reception into the full communion of the Catholic Church through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and its adaptation for children. 

Catechists meet with them, usually after the 10:00 a.m. Mass, to help them on their journey of faith leading to the Easter sacraments or the reception into full communion.  The archdiocese provides workshops, and those already engaged in the ministry help new catechists as they develop skills for sharing the faith.  Those who work with children must have completed the Archdiocesan Decree on Child Protection Training – which is offered annually here at the Church of the Resurrection.

The Introduction to the Rite of the Christian Initiation of Adults states:

The rite of Christian initiation... is designed for adults who, after hearing the mystery of Christ proclaimed, consciously and freely seek the living God and enter the way of faith and converson as the Holy Spirit opens their hearts. By God's help they will be strengthened spiritually during their preparation and at the proper time will receive the sacraments fruitfully.

This rite includes not simply the celebration of the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and eucharist, but also all the rites belonging to the catechumenate...

Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate

This is the time, of no fixed duration or structure, for inquiry and introduction to Gospel values, an opportunity for the beginnings of faith.

First Step: Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens

This is the liturgical rite, usually celebrated on some annual date or dates, marking the beginning of the catechumenate proper, as the candidates express and the Church accepts their intention to respond to God’s call to follow the way of Christ.

Period of the Catechumenate

This is the time, in duration corresponding to the progress of the individual, for the nurturing and growth of the catechumens’ faith and conversion to God; celebrations of the word and prayers of exorcism and blessing are meant to assist the process.

Second Step: Election or Enrollment of Names

This is the liturgical rite, usually celebrated on the First Sunday of Lent, by which the Church formally ratifies the catechumen’s readiness for the sacraments of initiation and the catechumens, not the elect, express the will to receive these sacraments.

Period of Purification and Enlightenment

This is the time immediately preceding the elects’ initiation, usually the Lenten season preceding the celebration of this initiation at the Easter Vigil; it is a time of reflection, intensely centered on conversion, marked by celebration of the scrutinies and presentations and of preparation rites on Holy Saturday.

Third Step: Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation

This is the liturgical rite, usually integrated into the Easter Vigil, by which the elect are initiated through baptism, confirmation and the eucharist.

Period of Postbaptismal Catechesis or Mystagogy

This is the time, usually the Easter Season, following the celebration of initiation, during which the newly initiated experience being fully a part of the Christian community by means of pertinent catechesis and particularly by participation with all the faithful in the Sunday eucharistic celebration.