Sacramental Preparation
Last Updated: May 2010
The whole liturgical life of the Church revolves around the Eucharistic sacrifice and the sacraments… The purpose of the sacraments is to sanctify, to build up the Body of Christ and, finally, to give worship to God.- Catechism of the Catholic Church, nos. 1113 & 1123.
On this page:
Baptism (age 0-6)
RCIA (adults and children ages 7-17)
- The Journey
- RCIA for Adults
- RCIA adapted for Children
First Eucharist
First Reconciliation
Youth Confirmation
Adult Confirmation
Marriage
Baptism
Parents wishing to baptize their child (0-6yrs) are invited to contact the parish office at least three to four months prior to their desired date of celebration. Baptism preparation consists of: an initial phone conversation with a parish staff member and one parent preparation class which focuses on the theology of Baptism and how to grow children in the faith. Following the preparation process, children are baptized within the context of weekend Masses when the whole community gathers for worship or in a Sunday after noon communal service.
Parents who have a child(ren) between the ages of seven to seventeen who are not baptized are encouraged to learn more about the process of the RICA Adapted for Children (found below).
Adults interested in baptism should see the RCIA process for Adults (found below).
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults)
Holy Family offers RCIA for adults and an adapted process for children. RCIA is designed for those wishing to come into full communion with the Roman Catholic Church. Persons seeking full initiation who need to receive one or all of the sacraments of initiation—Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist are invited join this process. This includes those who were baptized in the Catholic Church, but never received the other two sacraments of initiation or it could be someone baptized of another faith tradition who now seeks to join the church.
“The RCIA is for adults [and children over the age of six] who, after hearing the mystery of Christ Proclaimed, consciously and freely seek the living God and enter the way of faith and conversion 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.” (Catholic Rites Today)
The Journey:
The journey through this initiation process has four periods. These periods vary in time, but are to mark one’s progress and maturing as he/she is walking the journey.
Period of Inquiry: The first period is the initial interest of becoming Catholic Christians called Inquiry.
Period of the Catechumenate: The second period is reached when one has progressed in his/her faith journey and is ready to enter into a more focused preparation for the sacraments of initiation called the Catechumenate.
Period of Purification and Enlightenment: The third period focuses on spiritual readiness of receiving the sacraments of initiation called Period of Purification and Enlightenment.
Period of Mystagogia: The fourth period is called Mystagogia. This period takes place after the actual initiation and focuses on the experience before, during, and after one is fully initiated.
Adults:
The RCIA is a process for adults 18 years and older. Through this process, adults are helped to grow closer to God by learning about and experiencing the Catholic Faith from Catholics who come from many different backgrounds and who give their time share their love of the church.
RCIA Adapted for Children:
The RCIA adapted for Children is for children between the ages of 7 and 17. Children and their parents are invited to join this process if they have not been baptized.
If are interested in the RCIA process, either for adults or for children, and/or have any questions, please contact Ricardo Valdez in the parish office or via email.
First Eucharist
Children in second grade are invited to begin the formal preparation to receive their First Eucharist. Parents are the primary catechists for their children during this formal preparation. During parent meetings parents are given the tools to help their children understand this step in their sacramental journey. As per Archdiocesan regulations, children must have regularly attended faith formation classes the current and previous year.
In order to register for First Eucharist, it must be indicated on the faith formation registration form even if a particular child will not be attending faith formation classes at Holy Family.
Important dates for 2010/2011 are as follows (dates/times subject to change):
| Saturday, Jan 29 | Parent/Child Chalice Workshop/Meeting | 9:30 am | Legacy Room |
| Friday, Feb 11 | Teaching Mass | 6:30 pm | Church |
| Monday, Feb 14 | Parent 101 Meeting This meeting is ideal for parents preparing their first child for this sacrament | 6:30 pm | MES |
| Thursday, Mar 3 | Parent 201 Meeting This meeting is ideal for parents preparing a second (or more) child for this sacrament. | 6:30 pm | Legacy Room |
| Saturday, Apr 2 | Parent/Child Workshop (Option A) | 9:30 am | Church |
| Thursday, Apr 7 | Parent/Child Workshop (Option B) | 5:45 pm | Church |
| May | First Eucharist Celebrations take place during the regular weekend Masses |
First Reconciliation
Traditionally, Holy Family invites fourth graders to begin preparation for their First Reconciliation, but children as young as second grade are welcome to participate. Parents are the primary catechists for their children during this formal preparation. During parent meetings, parents are given the tools to help their children understand this step in their sacramental journey. As per Archdiocesan regulations, children must have regularly attended religious education classes the current and previous year.
In order to register for First Reconciliation, it must be indicated on the faith formation registration form even if a particular child will not be attending faith formation classes at Holy Family. Registration forms can be obtained via the parish website or by calling the parish office.
Important dates for 2010/2011 are as follows (dates/times subject to change):
| Saturday, Sept 18 | Parent/Child Mtg. & Workshop | 9:45 am | Legacy Room |
| Monday, Nov 1 | Final Preparation | 7:00 pm | Church |
| Saturday, Nov 13 | First Reconciliation Service | 10:30 am | Church |
Families can go to the “Mass” tab on the website and seasonal pages for planned opportunities to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation throughout the year. Parishioners can also make individual appointments with the pastor by calling the parish office.
Youth Confirmation
All 10th grade students are invited to begin preparation for Confirmation in the fall. A parent/candidate meeting will be scheduled in November and materials will be distributed. This full year approach is meant to allow families greater flexibility. As per Archdiocesan regulations, regular attendance at youth ministry sessions the year prior to preparation is required and must continue through the preparation year. Confirmation is celebrated in the fall after completion of all program components. The preparation process consists of formation sessions, a retreat experience, a pilgrimage, involvement in service, an interview with a pastoral staff member, and prayer/worship experiences. For more information, please contact Carolyn Kilonsky in the parish office or via email.
Adult Confirmation
Adults (age 18 and over) who have not been confirmed and are interested in celebrating the sacrament are invited to prepare to receive this sacrament. Persons seeking adult confirmation should have been baptized and receive First Eucharist in the Catholic Church. Persons baptized in another faith, should refer to the RCIA process above.
The regional Catholic Churches often share the responsibility of preparing adults in a six session series. The preparation includes self evaluation, group sharing, and homework. There are two times a year that the Archdiocese of Baltimore confirms adults, one being around spring (Pentecost) and the other in the fall. Thus we have two opportunities each year to prepare for the sacrament. Contact Ricardo Valdez in the parish office for more information.
Marriage
Couples who wish to pledge their love and commitment to one another in the presence of God and the Church should contact the parish office at least six months prior to the proposed wedding date. Sponsor couples from the parish meet with couples throughout the preparation to provide sacramental preparation using FOCCUS materials. Holy Family joyously celebrates wedding ceremonies on Friday evenings or Saturdays before 2 pm. Contact the office for more information.
Marriage validations are handled by our permanent Deacon. Contact the parish office for more information.
