ADULTS

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process by which those above the age of 15 become members of the Roman Catholic Church.

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The process is exciting and joyful! Similar to how those in the early Church became Baptized, it consists of a combination of learning about what those in the Catholic Church believe, as well as a discovery of the Holy Spirit's role in inviting us to become part of the Catholic Church and to live as saints in this world and in heaven. 

RCIA is devoted to the total formation of the person: believing with the Church community (doctrinal formation), living with the Church community (practical formation), praying with the Church community (liturgical formation), and serving the Church community (as good stewards). The central and unifying principle of the Rite is conversion. This gradual development culminates in the celebration of the initiation sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist at our Easter Vigil service.

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RCIA is for those who are currently unbaptized, baptized in another Christian Church, or baptized Catholic but have not completed full Christian initiation i.e., First Holy Communion and/or Confirmation.

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For more information, please email Mary O'Keefe at maryok@bex.net

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Watch Fr. Mark's RCIA Talks Series here.

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CHILDREN

Baptism is a sacrament, an act of initiation into the Christian Community, and an introduction to Christian life, whereby the redemptive death of Christ, which happened once in history, is present in the ritual of poured water or water immersion.

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Preparing for Baptism from infant through the age of six, normally involves getting together with both of the parents, and discussing all the details.  This includes filling out a Baptismal Registration, going over the requirements for sponsors and receiving materials to review before the scheduled Baptism class, which the sponsors may also attend.  For more information, please contact Deacon Dave Karpanty at 419-385-7227 or dkarpanty@yahoo.com

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For information about baptismal preparation for a child above the age of six (first grade or above), please contact Rachael Hunyor at rachael.hunyor@toledostpats.org or call 419-381-1540.

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Baptism Classes

Classes normally take place in the Emmaus Room, next to the chapel, at 1:00 PM, on the second Sunday, of every other month.

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The Celebration of the Sacrament

Since Baptism is an act of initiation and welcoming into a particular parish community, it is celebrated in its fullness at the weekend Mass, which the parents normally attend (except during Lent). Baptisms may also occur outside of Mass, with other families, in a communal event celebrated by a deacon.  This normally occurs at 1:00 PM in the Church on the third Sunday of every month (except during Lent).