The Catholic Church warmly welcomes new members and tries to provide an appropriate spiritual formation according to each person’s needs. Through the catechumenate, the church encourages an ongoing conversion to Jesus Christ and the reign of God which He proclaimed. The catechumenate provides a structure for the proclamation of the gospel; catechesis (passing on the teachings of the church); public and private prayer; spiritual direction; the observance of the feasts, fasts, Sundays and seasons of the church calendar; and direct contact with members of the parish. This is an exciting process involving adults, teens, and families with children

“Christian initiation is accomplished by three sacraments together: Baptism which is the beginning of new life; Confirmation which is its strengthening; and the Eucharist which nourishes the disciple with Christ's Body and Blood for his transformation in Christ.” (CCC1275)

• A catechumen is an unbaptized person preparing for Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist.
• A candidate has been baptized and is preparing for reception in the Catholic Church, Confirmation and/or First Eucharist.
• Both catechumens and candidates are entering the period of the catechumenate, in which they will receive the full Deposit of Faith.

The Christian Initiation process for adults is held on Monday evenings from 6:30 to 9:00 pm and the process includes dismissals on Sundays during the 10:00 a.m. Mass. The family process allows children and their parents (where necessary) to prepare for the sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, First Eucharist and Confirmation. This class meets once a week, on Tuesdays, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.

If you are interested in joining the Catholic faith or catching up on your sacraments, please pick up a registration form in the parish office.  You will be contacted for a personal interview. Contact Cathy  or Roberta with any questions at 480-595-0883 or via email at rcia@stgacc.org