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here to returnThe Roman Catholic Church is a Church of both Word (Scripture) and Sacrament. While there are many sacramentals and sacramental moments in the Church, there are seven "official" sacraments. The sacraments of initiation are baptism, confirmation and eucharist. The sacraments of service are matrimony (marriage) and holy orders. The sacraments of healing are reconciliation (penance/confession) and the anointing of the sick.
Baptism is the first sacrament celebrated. It is in baptism that we die to self and rise to a new life in Christ. It is in baptism that we are anointed priest, prophet and king. Baptism preparation depends on the age of the individual.
Infant Baptism Preparation
Parents preparing for the baptism of an infant/young child are required to participate in a Baptism Evening of Preparation, held at our parish once every three months, prior to scheduling the baptism. This Evening of Preparation is an Evening of Renewal, focusing on the Rite of Baptism, itself. We reflect on the sacrament of baptism, as well as on the key role of the parent as the "first and best" Christian teacher of the child.
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
Persons of catechetical age, that is, seven years of age and older, who have not been baptized and seek baptism, are prepared for the sacraments of initiation - baptism, confirmation and eucharist, through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) process.
There are four periods in the RCIA process: 1) Inquiry or Precatechumenate. This is the stage of initial inquiry and evangelization. 2) The Catechumenate. After a period of inquiry, an individual may choose to celebrate the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens, and enter a more formal period of formation called the Catechumenate. 3) Purification and Enlightenment. The period of Purification and Enlightenment corresponds to the season of Lent. On the first Sunday of Lent, those catechumens seeking Easter baptism sign their names in the Book of the Elect and are presented to the Bishop at the Rite of Election. Purification and Enlightenment is a time of prayer and reflection which immediately precedes the celebration of the sacraments of initiation. During this period, scrutinies are celebrated and the elect are presented the Creed and the Lord's Prayer. 4) Mystagogia. Neophytes who celebrate the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and eucharist at the Easter Vigil enter an ongoing period of mystagogy, enabling them to immerse themselves more deeply into the mysteries of Christ.
The RCIA process at Saint Paul Parish is an ongoing, year-round process, allowing people to move on their spiritual journey at their own pace. At any one time, it is possible to find persons at each period in the process.
RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS PROCESS (RCIA)
* Spiritual Direction (including initial meeting with RCIA team member, and periodic one-on-one meetings)
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CELEBRATION OF THE RITE OF ACCEPTANCE INTO THE ORDER OF CATECHUMENS AND OF THE RITE OF WELCOMING BAPTIZED BUT PREVIOUSLY UNCATECHIZED ADULTS WHO ARE PREPARING FOR CONFIRMATION AND/OR EUCHARIST OR RECEPTION INTO THE FULL COMMUNION OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
II. PERIOD OF THE CATECHUMENATE (CATECHUMENS AND CANDIDATES)
* Rite of Dismissal at Sunday Mass
* Catechetical Sessions (offered as part of Parish Faith Formation Process)
* Service
* Spiritual Direction
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CELEBRATION OF THE RITE OF ELECTION OF CATECHUMENS AND OF THE CALL TO CONTINUING CONVERSION OF CANDIDATES WHO ARE PREPARING FOR CONFIRMATION AND/OR EUCHARIST OR RECEPTION INTO THE FULL COMMUNION OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
III. PERIOD OF PURIFICATION AND ENLIGHTENMENT (ELECT AND CANDIDATES)
* Rite of Dismissal at Sunday Mass
* Catechetical Sessions (offered as part of Parish Faith Formation Process)
* Service
* RCIA Integrating Sessions. (See II. above for the dates for the 2007-2008 Liturgical Year)
* Spiritual Direction
* Liturgies of Scrutinies, and Presentations of the Creed and the Lord's Prayer
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CELEBRATION OF THE SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION AND OF THE RITE OF RECEPTION INTO THE FULL COMMUNION OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
IV. PERIOD OF MYSTAGOGIA (NEOPHYTES AND NEWLY RECEIVED)
A. For One Full Year After Initiation/Reception...
* Catechetical Sessions (offered as part of Parish Faith Formation Process)
* Service/Ministry
* RCIA Integrating Sessions. (See II. above for the dates for the 2005 Liturgical Year)
* Spiritual Direction
B. For rest of the Christian's life...
** Fully Initiated Members of the Body of Christ live the Precepts of the Church:
1. PARTICIPATE IN MASS ON SUNDAYS AND HOLY DAYS OF OBLIGATION. (CIC 1246, 1247)
2. DO PENANCE, INCLUDING ABSTINENCE, FASTING, CHARITY, AND PIETY, ON THE APPOINTED DAYS. (CIC 1249-1253)
3. CONFESS SERIOUS SINS ONCE A YEAR. (CIC 988, 989)
4. RECEIVE COMMUNION ONCE A YEAR, AT EASTERTIME. (CIC 920)
5. SUPPORT THE MATERIAL NEEDS OF THE CHURCH. (CIC 222)
6. PROMOTE SOCIAL JUSTICE. (CIC 222)
7. ASSIST THE POOR. (CIC 222)
8. SUPPORT THE MISSIONARY SPIRIT AND WORK OF THE CHURCH. (CIC 225)
9. ACQUIRE KNOWLEDGE OF CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE. (CIC 229)
Teenagers and adults who have been validly baptized in another Christian denomination and who now seek full communion with the Roman Catholic Church prepare for the sacraments of confirmation and eucharist through an adapted version of the RCIA process. Already Christian and a member of the Church via their baptism, they are not re-baptized. Baptism is only celebrated once in a lifetime.
Confirmation
Confirmation, the second sacrament of initiation, is a sealing or completion, of our baptism. Those previously baptized usually celebrate confirmation at Saint Paul Parish during their teenage years (14-18 years of age).
Confirmation preparation is not isolated from other components of our Parish Faith Formation Process. In fact, the other interrelated components of Faith Formation are integral to confirmation preparation. The additional Faith Formation component for confirmation preparation consists of three family centered (parent/teen) gatherings during the year, to which sponsors are also invited. These gatherings consist of prayer and catechesis focusing on the Rite of Confirmation. Resources for confirmation preparation center on Word, Sacrament, and Calendar. Prior to the celebration of confirmation, there is an Evening of Renewal, also centered on the Rite of Confirmation, for candidates and sponsors.
Those not previously baptized, and those baptized in another Christian denomination, prepare for confirmation through the RCIA process.
Adult Catholics who have been baptized Catholic and celebrated First Communion, but never confirmed should contact the Pastor for information regarding celebrating the sacrament of Confirmation.
Eucharist
The centrality of Eucharist and Sunday Mass for all Catholics is key to our Parish Faith Formation Process, and parishioners are provided with many opportunities to celebrate and grow in their appreciation of the Eucharist. Although since 1910, in our society, First Communion is usually celebrated prior to Confirmation, the Eucharist is actually the third sacrament of initiation - the sacrament we celebrate again and again, Sunday after Sunday, as we are ever more fully initiated into the Body of Christ.
At Saint Paul Parish, those previously baptized usually celebrate First Eucharist, or First Communion, at 7-8 years of age. As with all sacramental preparation in our parish, eucharist preparation is an interrelated component of our Parish Faith Formation Process, and does not stand on its own. The additional component for eucharist preparation consists in three family (parent/child) gatherings, which include ritual prayer and catechesis on the eucharist. Families are also provided with excellent resources to help them share faith together during this time of eucharist preparation. Eucharist preparation occurs during the winter and spring of the year. Children preparing for eucharist must have already prepared for the sacrament of reconciliation.
Those over 7 years of age who are not yet baptized, as well as teens and adults baptized in another Christian denomination, are prepared for eucharist through the RCIA process.
Matrimony
Matrimony, or Marriage, is one of the sacraments of service, or vocation, in the Roman Catholic Church. There are many facets to marriage preparation, including meetings with the pastor and meetings with a married couple from the parish. Engaged couples must also participate in an Evening of Renewal here at Saint Paul Parish, as well as in Archdiocesan marriage preparation. Evenings of Renewal for Engaged Couples are held at our parish at various times throughout the year. The Evening of Renewal includes ritual prayer based on the Rite of Marriage, and discussion and sharing on faith in the home (the Domestic Church). Couples anticipating marriage must make initial contact with the pastor at least six months prior to the marriage. No wedding date may be set until after an initial pastoral visit.
Holy Orders
Holy Orders is the other sacrament of service, or vocation. Men who have an interest in the diaconate or the priesthood should contact the pastor for further information on preparation for these ministries. Please visit the Archdiocesan website for further information: www.cincinnativocations.org
Reconciliation
Reconciliation (also referred to as penance or confession) is one of the sacraments of healing in the Church. When we fail to live up to our baptismal vows, and through selfishness hurt God, others and ourselves, we can turn in sorrow and contrition to the Lord, who is merciful, and celebrate the Church's forgiveness in the sacrament of reconciliation.
At Saint Paul Parish, those previously baptized usually prepare for the sacrament of reconciliation at 7-8 years of age. As with all sacramental preparation in our parish, reconciliation preparation is an interrelated component of our Parish Faith Formation Process, and does not stand on its own. The additional component for reconciliation preparation consists in three family (parent/child) gatherings, which include ritual prayer and catechesis on reconciliation. Families are also provided with excellent resources to help them share faith together during this time of reconciliation preparation. Reconciliation preparation occurs in the autumn of the year. Children must be prepared for the sacrament of reconciliation before beginning formal preparation for First Eucharist.
Anointing of the Sick
The anointing of the sick is the other sacrament of healing in the Church. Anointing demonstrates the mercy and compassion of Christ and the Church for those who are sick or suffering. Anyone who is chronically or seriously ill, or who is facing surgery, etc., should contact the pastor if the person wishes to be anointed. A family member or caretaker could also initiate this contact.
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