Rite of christian initiation

Classes take place on Mondays from 7pm to 9pm.  Classes begin August 3rd 2020.

YES! the program is free. The class does require you to have a few books which you can purchase through us, or get on your own. 

You can begin by filling out the application which you can download below. When you turn it in please bring a 2x2 size picture (does not have to be formal) along with your application. As you turn in the application you will make an appointment with a Priest or RCIA director to go over your application together. 

You will need to bring to the office a copy of your birth certificate, and whatever of the following apply to you: baptism certificate and or first communion certificate.  Registration is not considered complete until all required documents for candidate and sponsor are turned in to the office.

1.  Only one sponsor pr candidate is allowed.

2.  Every Sponsor must complete a sponsor verification form.

3.  Equivalent applications and eligibility letters are accepted at the discretion of the pastor.

4. The application MUST be signed and sealed by the sponsor's parish priest or pastor.

5.  Facsimiles are accepted from Parish to Parish ONLY.

                                                       Canon Law 874

To be admitted to the role of sponsor, a person must:

1. Be designated by the candidate, by the pastor or minister and is to have the qualifications and intention of performing the role.
2. Be at least sixteen years old, unless a different age has been established by the diocesan bishop or it seems to the pastor or minister that an exception is to be made for a just cause.
3. Be a Catholic who has been Confirmed and has already received the sacraments of  the Most Holy Eucharist and leads a life in harmony with the faith and the role to be undertaken.
4. Not be bound by any canonical penalty legitimately imposed or declared.
5. Not be the father or the mother of the candidate.

Important notes and clarifications with respect to sponsors:

• As stated above sponsor must have received all THREE SACRAMENTS ( Baptism, First Holy  Communion and Confirmation) ALL THREE CERTIFICATES MUST be presented for verification.
• Canon Law 874 mentioned above  states in addition to; it is for the sponsor to see that the confirmed person acts as a true witness to Christ and faithfully fulfills the obligations connected with the Sacraments.
• A baptized person who belongs to a NON-Catholic ecclesial community may not be admitted except as a witness "proxy" to confirmation and together with a Catholic Sponsor.
• If you are a sponsor that is married through the Catholic Church you MUST bring your Marriage Certificate from the Church where you were married.
• The sponsor must be able to receive the Holy Eucharist.

Put simply, if the proposed sponsor:

• Has not received ALL the Sacraments of initiation.
• Does not practice the Catholic faith regularly.
• Is only civilly married or married in another denomination.
• Is single and living in union with someone.

THEY DO NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF BEING A SPONSOR

Just because a proposed sponsor does not meet the requirements of a sponsor it does not mean they are a bad person or are being judged. If the proposed sponsor would like to be fully initiated or have their marriage blessed, St. John of God is fully willing to help facilitate them in either of these processes.

Unfortunately they will not be able to be a sponsor for a candidate this year, unless they fulfill what is required before the candidate is to receive the Sacraments.