“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19
Sacraments of Initiation
Initiation
St. Cecilia Catholic Community prepares registered parishioners to celebrate Baptism, Communion, Confirmation and Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. In most cases, a person or family must be registered at least six months before the Sacrament. The three sacraments of initiation are Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. Each is meant to strengthen your faith and forge a deeper relationship with God. Baptism frees you from original sin, confirmation strengthens your faith and Eucharist allows you to taste the body and blood of eternal life and be reminded of Christ’s love and sacrifice.
Baptism
For babies and children up to age 6, the preparation includes a welcome interview (on an individual basis), a parents’ class (Godparents invited), and a completed packet (on your own time). After this is completed, a baptism will be scheduled. We love to celebrate our newest Catholics’ baptism during a usual weekend Mass. Anyone, any age desiring Baptism, contact the Parish Office. We will explain and start the Baptism process with you.
Acts 2:38 says, “Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” This scripture encourages us that when we are baptized, we are given the gift of the Holy Spirit and he becomes part of us.
First Communion (Eucharist)
Eucharist means thanksgiving. This is when Christ’s body and blood are offered and then received by the parishioner in the form of bread and wine. The preparation process for First Holy Communion is a two year process, normally beginning in the first grade, with a year of faith formation in our parish program or at a local Catholic School. During the second year, children continue faith formation and also attend separate sacramental preparation classes for both First Reconciliation and First Communion. For questions, contact Kelli at x120.
Download the general sacrament registration form.
Make a payment for sacraments online here.
First Communion & First Reconciliation calendar.
Confirmation
“I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you always.” John 14:16 Preparing for this sacrament is a two year process, that begins no earlier than the 9th grade. It consists of faith formation either through St. Cecilia Youth Group, or a local Catholic High School. The second year consists of sacrament preparation classes in addition to participation in Youth Group. For questions, contact Mary at x118.
Download the general sacrament registration form.
Make a payment for sacraments online here.
Confirmation Prep calendar.
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults
The RCIA is a weekly, small group process that prepares adults, and children over the age of 7, to become Catholic through Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. The preparation generally takes at least a year, and is the way people can convert to becoming Catholic. In some situations, it may be suitable for a baptized Catholic who was not raised in the Church. For a friendly, no obligation discussion about your situation and our process, please contact Laura at 239-851-6291.
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.
