Becoming Fully Catholic

Unbaptized Adults are those over the age of 18 who have not yet been baptized and are seeking to receive all three Sacraments of Initiation: baptism, Eucharist, and confirmation.  They begin their journey as "inquirers" in a period known as "Evangelization", where they explore their own faith and hear the gospel message before entering into a formal and public relationship with the Catholic Church.   They then undergo the Rite for Entrance into the Catechumenate wherein they become "Catechumens". During the Catechumenate period, participants are called to a deeper relationship with the Lord in prayer, are surrounded by the loving support of the community and hear the Truth. It is a time of learning and conversion.  After this, the catechumens participate in the Rite of Election. This is where they are "elected" by the bishop for initiation during the first week of Lent. The catechumens then become the "elect" and engage in period known as "Purification and Enlightenment". This period is marked by intense spiritual preparation leading up to the Sacraments of Initiation.  During the Easter Vigil Mass, the elect receive the Sacraments of Initiation.  After receiving the sacraments, the newly initiated Catholics continue their journey in a period known as "Mystagogy". They are now called "Neophytes." They are reborn. As with anyone who is young, they need loving support and guidance. This period provides that support.

Baptized Catholic Adults are those over the age of 18 who have been baptized in the Catholic Church but did not receive catechesis after; they are seeking to receive the remaining one or two Sacraments of Initiation: Eucharist and/or confirmation.  These Candidates are welcomed into the community life of the parish during the Rite of Welcoming the Candidates. They then engage in catechesis alongside the catechumens.   The Penitential Rite marks the Lenten purification of candidates.  The candidates are received into Full Communion with the Catholic Church (through the celebration of Eucharist and confirmation) at Easter Sunday Mass. Candidates who only need the sacrament of confirmation are confirmed by the Archbishop at Pentecost.

Baptized Christian Adults are those over the age of 18 who have been baptized into a Christian faith tradition other than the Catholic Church and are seeking to receive the remaining two Sacraments of Initiation: Eucharist and confirmation.  These candidates are welcomed into the community life of the parish during the Rite of Welcoming the Candidates. They then engage in catechesis alongside the Catechumens.   The Penitential Rite marks the Lenten purification of candidates.  The Candidates are received into Full Communion with the Catholic Church (through the celebration of Eucharist and confirmation) when the BFC Team, Sponsor, and the Candidate decide that the Candidate is ready. This takes place at a Sunday Mass at Holy Apostles or at the Easter Sunday Mass.

Unbaptized Children are those under the age of 18 who have not yet been baptized and are seeking to receive all three Sacraments of Initiation: baptism, Eucharist, and confirmation.  While the child catechumens follow a similar path to their adult counterparts, adjustments in catechesis and in the various rites are made to correspond to their age level.   They receive all three of the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil alongside their adult counterparts.

Baptized Christian Children are those under the age of 18 who have been baptized into a Christian faith tradition other than the Catholic Church and are seeking to receive the remaining two Sacraments of Initiation: Eucharist and confirmation.  While the child Candidates follow a similar path to their adult counterparts, adjustments in catechesis and in the various rites are made to correspond to their age level.   They are received into the Church after a Profession of Faith and receive Eucharist when the BFC Team, their parents, and the Candidate decide they are ready. This takes place at a Sunday Mass at Holy Apostles or the Easter Sunday Mass. They prepare for the Sacrament of confirmation on a typical timeline with their peers.

Baptized Catholic Children are those under the age of 18 who have been baptized into the Catholic Church and are seeking to receive the remaining two Sacraments of Initiation: Eucharist and confirmation.  While the child Candidates follow a similar path to their adult counterparts, adjustments in catechesis and in the various rites are made to correspond to their age level.   They receive Eucharist when the BFC Team, their parents, and the Candidate decide they are ready. This takes place at a Sunday Mass at Holy Apostles or the Easter Sunday Mass. They prepare for the Sacrament of confirmation on a typical timeline with their peers.