Sacramental Preparation
“The purpose of the sacraments is to sanctify, build up the body of Christ, and finally to give worship to God.” (Constitution of the Sacred Liturgy)
The Faith Formation Office Serves to catechize families and adults in the sacraments of:
Baptism, Confirmation, First Eucharist, Reconciliation, Matrimony
At Blessed Pope John we embrace the sacredness of all the sacraments of the Church. A description of our programs and the guidelines and requirements set by the parish and the Diocese of Venice. For more information or to register for any of these programs please call the Faith Formation office at 561-7499.
Learn more about the Sacraments by clicking here.
Infant Baptism
Baptism is a time of great joy and celebration for parents, family members and the parish community. It is the first sacrament of initiation, the gateway to life in Christ and the Church; a lifelong journey in knowing, loving and serving Jesus. We ask that those wishing for baptism for their child follow the guidelines set by the parish of Blessed Pope John and the Diocese of Venice.
- Registration in the parish and participation in the sacramental life of Blessed Pope John XXIII for a period of three months. The celebration of any sacrament assumes the practice of the faith. In the case of baptism, the active participation of the parents helps to assure the Church that the child to be baptized will be raised in the Catholic faith.
- Participation in a Baptismal Preparation class. For information on the scheduled of classes, please contact the Faith Formation office.
- Baptisms are scheduled after completion of class and all necessary paperwork is completed. Please do not make plans without actually receiving a date.
- Non-parishioners who wish for their child to be baptized at Blessed Pope John Parish will need to obtain a letter of delegation from their parish priest to have the child baptized outside of their parish. Also, written verification of having participated in a Baptism Preparation Class in another parish will need to be obtained.
First Reconciliation and First Eucharist
The program is opened to students in second grade or above who have fully completed the 2009-2010 Faith Formation program or attended a Diocesan Catholic School during the 2011-2012 school year. Sessions for Sacrament preparation are held separate from our Faith Formation program. Your family must be registered in the parish for a period of 3 months prior to the beginning of classes.
The four components of our Sacramental Preparation process are:
- The child must demonstrate a willingness to participate in the sacramental process, and the family must be willing to support the child. This includes completion of all required forms.
- Ongoing faith formation (Wednesday Faith Formation classes here with separate registration, or be enrolled at a Diocesan Catholic School)
- Regular weekly attendance at the Sunday Liturgy (Mass)
- Attendance at all Sacramental Preparation sessions (parent & child attends). Sacramental preparation is a collaborative effort between family and parish and as such, requires parents or guardians to participate in the program. Parents must attend scheduled parent sessions.
Confirmation
In compliance with the Bishop’s office and all parishes in the Diocese of Venice, the Sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated at the end of the candidate’s 10th grade. Candidates must complete a 2 year preparation program that commences at the beginning of 9th grade or above. Your family must be registered and actively participating in the parish for a period of 3 months prior to the beginning of classes
- Components of the Sacramental Preparation process for Confirmation are:
- Candidate must demonstrate a willingness to participate in the Confirmation process, and the Candidate’s family must be willing to support him/her.
- Candidate must complete a two year preparation program which includes attendance at all sacramental preparation meetings. Regular attendance at youth group is also required unless you are enrolled in a Diocesan Catholic School.
- The Candidate must have regular attendance with active participation in Sunday Liturgy. (Mass)
- Baptismal records on file in the Faith Formation Office.
- Completion of all required forms, including letter of introduction to the Pastor, Saint Report, and Service Project. Letters and reports must be typed and turned in by deadlines.
Youth & Adult Baptism & Initiation into the Church
RCIA
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a process that helps the unbaptized person prepare for full initiation into the Catholic Church through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. RCIA serves as the fullest model of what it means to become a Christian, a member of the Catholic Church. RCIA is also for those who have been baptized in other Christian traditions and are now seeking full communion with the Roman Catholic Church. For these Christians, the RCIA process assists the continuing conversion appropriate for all Christians, while giving understanding of Catholic beliefs and the experience of the Catholic Community. At Blessed Pope John this process is ongoing accepts and new inquirers all through the year. Watch the testimonial video now!
Children’s Catechumenate
Children who are not baptized and are of catechetical age (age 7) may enter into a process of initiation called the Children’s Catechumenate, which is modeled after the RCIA process. Through this process, children are initiated into the community and celebrate the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. This process involves the entire family.
For more information on the RCIA process call Barb Catineau at 275-6454 or Chris Biel at 561-7499
Marriage Preparation
The Marriage Preparation Program at Blessed Pope John serves to support engaged couples as they prepare to celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage in the Catholic Faith. The program is offered as an additional option to the Marriage Preparation programs offered by the Diocese of Venice. After completing a series of interviews with a priest, engaged couples are matched with a Sponsor Couple who will meet with them over a series of 4 -5 sessions in the Sponsor’s home. The program offers both the engaged and sponsor couples opportunity to participate in an effective, vital ministry. If you are a couple seeking the Sacrament of marriage or if you are a married couple who would like to be part of the program please contact our parish office at 561-2245
