Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a program for people interested in the Catholic faith, whether they are non-Catholics thinking about becoming Catholic, or Catholics who wish to learn more and/or embrace the Catholic faith. The program starts with a period of instruction and progresses into a more in-depth experience of Catholicism and then invites participants into a process of initiation. Often this includes the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism (for those not yet baptized, or baptized in another denomination), Confirmation and the Holy Eucharist.
At St. Anthony’s we offer the following program for Adults who wish to come into full communion with the Catholic Church. There are a number of steps an individual will move through and there is no set timeline that must be adhered to although the Sacraments are administered at Easter.
A person may take as long as they, and those journeying with them, deem appropriate.
What are the steps of RCIA?
Prior to beginning the RCIA process, an individual comes to some knowledge of Jesus Christ, considers his or her relationship with Jesus Christ and is usually attracted in some way to the Catholic Church. This period is known as the Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate. For some, this process involves a long period of searching; for others, a shorter time. After a conversation with a priest, or RCIA director, the person, known as an “inquirer,” may seek acceptance into the Order of Catechumens, through the Rite of Acceptance. During this Rite, the inquirer stands amidst the parish community and states that he or she wants to become a baptized member of the Catholic Church. The parish assembly affirms this desire and the inquirer becomes a Catechumen.
The Period of the Catechumenate can last for as long as several years or for a shorter time. It depends on how the person is growing in faith, what questions they encounter along the way, and how God leads them on this journey. When a Catechumen and the priest and the parish team working with him or her believes the person is ready to make a faith commitment to Jesus in the Catholic Church, the next step is the request for baptism and the celebration of the Rite of Election.
The Rite of Election includes the enrolment of names of all the Catechumens seeking baptism at the coming Easter Vigil. Typically, on the first Sunday of Lent, the Catechumens, their sponsors and families gather at the Cathedral Church. The Catechumens publicly express their desire for baptism to the diocesan bishop. Their names are recorded in a book and they are called the Elect.… Read more “Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)”
Holy Orders
Holy Orders
The Sacrament of Holy Orders continues in the Church the apostolic ministry that the Lord gave to the Apostles. This sacrament, also called Ordination, consists of three degrees: diaconal (deacons), presbyteral (priests) and episcopal (bishops). Men who are ordained receive from God the grace to carry on the mission entrusted by Christ to his Apostles – bishops and priests participating in the priesthood of Christ and deacons in his ministry of service. While it takes years of formation and experience to prepare priests and deacons for Ordination, ultimately it is Christ who works in and through them.
If you or someone you know is interested in discerning a call to the priesthood, the permanent diaconate or other consecrated vocations, please speak with our pastor or contact the parish office.
Sets men and women apart for a life of ministry in service of Christ’s bride, the Church.
Common Questions - Holy Orders
Who can receive the sacrament of Holy Orders?
A baptized, Catholic man can be validly ordained to that ministry. The sacrament is not merely something a man can just claim for himself, or discern alone. The sacrament is a unique calling that God gives to men that He has chosen to serve His bride, the Church. The decision to become a priest is not made in isolation – members of the community play an important role in supporting any individual wishing to discern God’s call to Holy Orders.
What does a priest do?
The purpose of a priest is to bring people to Jesus, and Jesus to people. He does this primarily by preaching the Word and offering the Sacrifice of the Mass. His daily life involves administering the sacraments and caring for the people in their daily needs.
How do I know what God is calling me to do?
You must pray every single day, asking God to reveal His plan for you. Do not ask yourself, “What do I want to do when I grow up?” This is the wrong question! Rather, you should be thinking and asking: “Jesus, what do You want me to do?” And listen for the answer! The primary locus of revelation is the heart. Listen with your heart! The discernment process in the priesthood must also include the Church. The local bishop is the one who ultimately decides who is and who is not called. He is assisted in this by the vocation office and the seminary. This whole process is called “discerning one’s vocation.”
For more information, visit the Vocations & Seminarians Office page: https://rcav.org/vocations-office
Marriage
Marriage
The Sacrament of Matrimony, or marriage, is a unique sacrament because it is the man and the woman that mutually administers the sacrament upon each other in the presence of a priest or deacon and other witnesses.
It is a sacred covenant, a public promise made by the husband and the wife to be true to each other until death parts them. In order for a marriage to be valid, the couple must be entering into the covenant out of their own free will, without fear or coercion. They are also asked to honour and be true to each other for the rest of their lives, as well as to accept children lovingly from God and bring them up according to the law of Christ and His Church.
Are you getting married? Have questions about Marriage Prep? Find out more here.
A sacred union celebrating the covenant between a man and woman as husband and wife.
Common Questions - Marriage
Are all people called to marriage?
No. Many of us will be called to holiness by entering into the sacrament of marriage, but not all Christians are called to this vocation. If you are in a serious relationship and would like to learn more about marriage preparation, please visit: https://rcav.org/marriage-prep
I am Catholic, but my fiancé is not. Are we still allowed to get married in the Church?
A Catholic may marry a non-Catholic Christian or a person from another religion, but he/she would need to seek Church approval before the wedding by way of a dispensation.
What is a dispensation?
A dispensation in Catholic canon law is an exemption from Church law. The authority competent to issue a dispensation is the local bishop or the Apostolic See.
Anointing of the Sick
Anointing of the Sick
The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is how God gives us spiritual strength to persevere through the challenges of severe illness or impending death. The Anointing of the Sick is a healing sacrament which unites our physical suffering with the pain and suffering experienced by Jesus during his earthly life. The graces of this sacrament bring peace and courage to overcome the difficulties that come our way.
The elderly, the gravely ill and those facing surgery or other serious health challenges are encouraged to receive this sacrament. If you or a loved one would like to receive Anointing of the Sick, please contact the parish office and we will be pleased to assist you.
In case of emergency, or to request a hospital visit, please contact our parish office so we may assist you or connect you with the appropriate hospital chaplain.
Bringing spiritual and, sometimes, physical strength in times of illness or impending death.
Common Questions - Anointing of the Sick
Is this sacrament reserved only for old people, or those who are at the point of death?
“The Anointing of the Sick ‘is not a sacrament for those only who are at the point of death. Hence, as soon as anyone of the faithful begins to be in danger of death from sickness or old age, the fitting time for him to receive this sacrament has certainly already arrived.’ If a sick person who received this anointing recovers his health, he can in the case of another grave illness receive this sacrament again. If during the same illness the person’s condition becomes more serious, the sacrament may be repeated. It is fitting to receive the Anointing of the Sick just prior to a serious operation. The same holds for the elderly whose frailty becomes more pronounced.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1514-1515].
What is another name for this sacrament?
The Anointing of the Sick was traditionally referred to as Extreme Unction or Last Rites, perhaps giving the illusion that the sacrament is meant only for those who are at the point of death.
What is "Viaticum"?
“In addition to the Anointing of the Sick, the Church offers those who are about to leave this life the Eucharist as viaticum. Communion in the body and blood of Christ, received at this moment of ‘passing over’ to the Father, has a particular significance and importance. It is the seed of eternal life and the power of resurrection, according to the words of the Lord: ‘He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.’
Reconciliation
Reconciliation
The Sacrament of Reconciliation, also known as Confession or the Sacrament of Penance, is a healing sacrament by which we experience the mercy of God. Through the ministry of a priest, we honestly confess our sins to Jesus and then receive his forgiveness and mercy. Regular confession brings healing to our hearts and restores our relationship with God and the community.
Catholics are always welcome to return to this sacrament, whether it has been two weeks or two decades since their last confession. Confession times are listed on our website, and we invite you to participate as often as possible.
If you would like to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, please come to the church at the times listed on our website or contact the parish office to schedule an appointment.
Experiencing God’s mercy exercised through the ministry of priests.
Common Questions – Confession
Why do I need to confess to a priest?
Put simply, it’s God’s plan. The priest is the minister of the sacrament acting in the person of Christ. In fact, the confession of sins to a priest is the only ordinary way to have mortal sins forgiven after Baptism. Also, God knows how we can rationalize our sins away and sweep them under the rug. And so He wants us to tell our sins and to acknowledge them in a personal encounter. Know that we fall into the loving arms of our heavenly Father when we go to a priest and confess.
Won't I shock the priest with what I say?
Remember that priests have heard thousands of confessions over the years, and there are really no new sins. It’s a great privilege for priests to hear confessions and be instruments of the Father’s mercy.
Will the priest think badly of me afterwards?
No, quite the opposite. He’ll be inspired by your humility and courage, and likely won’t remember your sins anyway. And remember, priests have to go to Confession, too. Even the Pope has to confess his sins to another priest.
May a priest later repeat something he heard in Confession?
Under no circumstances. If a priest did tell any person–even the police–something he heard in the confessional, he would be excommunicated.
I’ve done some really awful things. Will God forgive me?
“Where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more” (Rom. 5:20). God’s mercy is greater than all our sins. Assuming you are truly sorry for what you’ve done and willing to make necessary changes, the answer is YES. God longs for you to return to his merciful Heart.
Confession Times at St. Anthony's
Monday to Saturday: 8:30 am to 8:50 am
Saturday: 3:30 pm to 4:15 pm
Confirmation
Confirmation
The Sacrament of Confirmation is a significant step in the growth and development of every Catholic, necessary for the completion of baptismal grace. At Confirmation, we affirm our commitment to God and the Church and receive a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The grace of this sacrament deepens our faith and brings us into a more abundant life with Christ, and strengthens us to share the love of Jesus Christ with others.
Most Catholics are confirmed after formation in a Catholic school or a parish religious education program. Older teenagers and adults are also invited to prepare for this sacrament through Confirmation classes, which will provide a better understanding of the gifts that the Holy Spirit gives in this sacrament Church. If you are interested in receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation for yourself or your child, please contact our parish office so that we can assist you.
Being sealed and strengthened by the gift of the Holy Spirit to be a living witness to Christ.
Common Questions – Confirmation
I was baptized in a different Christian denomination. Do I need to be baptized again before being Confirmed?
No. Catholics acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sin. If you were baptized validly in a different Evangelical Christian faith tradition, you will be received to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church, then you will receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. This is usually done during the Easter Vigil, after the completion of the Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA) program.
Didn’t I already receive the Holy Spirit during Baptism? What happens in Confirmation?
- It roots us more deeply in the divine filiation which makes us cry, ‘Abba! Father!’;
- It unites us more firmly to Christ;
- It increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us;
- It renders our bond with the Church more perfect;
- It gives us a special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the faith by word and action as true witnesses of Christ, to confess the name of Christ boldly, and never to be ashamed of the Cross:” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1303)
What are the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit?
- Wisdom
- Understanding
- Counsel
- Fortitude
- Knowledge
- Piety
- Fear of the Lord
Eucharist
Eucharist
The Sacrament of the Eucharist, also called the Mass, is “the source and summit of the Christian Life.” All of the other sacraments point to it. When the priest prays the words of consecration over the bread and wine at Mass, we believe, in accordance with the teaching of Jesus, that they become his Body and Blood. We receive this most precious of gifts in Holy Communion, which intimately unites us with Jesus and helps us become more like him through the grace he gives us by his very presence in our human bodies. Because the Son of God is truly present in the Eucharist, Catholics also adore the Blessed Sacrament during Exposition, and we reverence the tabernacle where the Eucharist is placed after Mass.
Catholics who are ready to receive Jesus in the Eucharist are invited to receive Holy Communion during Mass. Our hearts are ready to receive him when we have been baptized in the Catholic Church (or baptized in another church and later received into the Catholic Church) and are not in a state of serious sin. If you are not yet ready to receive Jesus in the Eucharist, you are welcome to line up during Communion and receive a blessing (indicated by placing your hands across your chest).
If you would like to learn more about preparing to receive the Eucharist yourself or for your child, please contact the parish office and we would be happy to assist you.
Receiving the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ under the appearance of bread and wine.
Common Questions – Eucharist
Can I receive Communion even if I am not Catholic?
No. Only properly disposed Catholics may receive Holy Communion. The word Communion can also be seen as “comm-union”, or in other words, “union with”. Receiving the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ signifies a proclamation of this belief, as well as expression of unity and belief in the Catholic Church and all that she teaches. If you are not a Catholic but feel drawn to the Catholic Church and the Eucharist, we invite you to visit our Becoming Catholic page.
What do I need to do to prepare to recieve Holy Communion?
Catholics receive the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ every time they receive Holy Communion. We believe that Jesus is truly present in the consecrated species of bread and wine. Communion must then be received with the greatest reverence and worship of our Lord. If possible, the Church recommends fasting for at least one hour prior to receiving the Eucharist. The Church also recommends taking part in the Sacrament of Reconciliation as often as possible, but at least once every year, to prepare our souls to receive Jesus.
Baptism
Baptism
The Sacrament of Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, making us sons and daughters of God and members of the Body of Christ and freeing us from sin. Through Baptism, we are welcomed into the Catholic Church, the community of faith. When we are baptized, the Holy Spirit comes to live in us. Baptism enables us to receive the other sacraments and to grow in the life of the Risen Christ.
Many Catholics receive this sacrament as infants. Before infants are baptized, the parents (and often the godparents as well) receive preparation for their child’s sacramental faith journey. Adults and teenagers who have not been baptized and who wish to become Catholic usually participate in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. After this period of formation, they receive the Sacraments of Initiation, which include Baptism.
If you are interested in registering yourself or your child to receive the Sacrament of Baptism, please fill out this form and our team will be in touch. Let us know if you have any further questions and we would be happy to assist you.
Saving waters that bring the Holy Spirit and welcomes Catholics into the Church.
Common Questions - Baptism
Can I start this process before my child is born?
Yes, in fact we recommend doing so.
How long does the process take?
There are two to three meetings required before an infant is baptized. Older child/adult baptisms usually require months of preparation and may require other courses like Catechism (PREP) and RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults).
Can we baptize in a place other than the church?
The Rite of Baptism indicates that it should be celebrated in a parish church. We do not celebrate baptisms outside of a church, except in cases of family illness or emergencies.
Who can serve as godparents?
The Church asks that a child have at least one Catholic godparent who is baptized, confirmed, and living his/her faith. The other godparent, formally known as a sponsor, may be a “Christian witness” who need not be Catholic. Someone may “stand in” (act as a proxy) for a godparent who is not able to be present at the Baptism.